Sparse disc image bundle

Discussion in 'Mac Basics and Help' started by rogco, Nov 14, 2010.

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  1. rogco, Nov 14, 2010

    rogco macrumors newbie

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    Nov 13, 2010
    #1
    Hi

    What function does a sparse disc image bundle fulfill?

    What happens if I delete it to create more disc space?

    Thanks
    Rogco
     
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  2. Nermal, Nov 14, 2010

    Nermal Moderator

    Nermal

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    #2
    You'll have to be more specific...

    It sounds like you've obtained a sparse image from somewhere. As to whether it's safe to delete it, well, that depends on what's in it :)
     
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  3. rogco, Nov 14, 2010

    rogco thread starter macrumors newbie

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    Nov 13, 2010
    #3
    Thanks for your reply

    The Sparse folder only becomes visible via using Disc Inventory X.

    In

    HD/Users/.Myuser/Myuser.sparsebundle

    Each of these files has identical disc space of 133gb.

    Not sure of the function of the Sparse bundle but could do with the 133gb of space if it is of no use. ( I am thinking I might have created it by mistake while fiddling where I shouldn't have been.

    Thanks
    Rogco
     
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  4. Nermal, Nov 15, 2010

    Nermal Moderator

    Nermal

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    #4
    Do you use any encryption software (such as File Vault)? I don't have a sparse bundle in /Users on my machine, but it looks like it could be used for account security.
     
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  5. rogco, Nov 15, 2010

    rogco thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #5
    Yep - I do use File Vault, but didn't think it would duplicate user file. Do you think that is what has happened?
     
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  6. Mal, Nov 15, 2010

    Mal macrumors 603

    Mal

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    #6
    Do not delete that. That is the permanent copy of all of your files. If you delete that, you will lose everything, and have to restore from your backup (assuming you have one).

    FileVault works by creating a disk image (the sparsebundle you found), and encrypting it. Everytime you log into your computer, it opens up that sparsebundle and you work from the files contained within (invisibly to you). When you log out, all those files are wrapped back up and are now inaccessible without your password.

    Again, DO NOT DELETE THAT FILE.

    jW
     
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  7. rogco, Nov 15, 2010

    rogco thread starter macrumors newbie

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    #7
    That explains the function and if I understand correctly it doesn't actually take up any extra space.
    I'll leave it alone.
    Thanks
     
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