I just saw a new version of Xslimmer was released. While the idea of "trimming the fat" on your computer might sound like a good idea, it can cause havoc with your Office for Mac 2008 install.
Examples of items that will prevent an upgrade:
- Monolingual
- Xslimmer
When the Microsoft Office Setup Assistant runs, it checks for certain files. After running one of the applications mentioned above, users are reporting that they do not have the Plugins folder in the application much less the items in that should be in that folder. The Microsoft Office Setup Assistant cannot/will not assume that you have a proper install of Office and will quit. See this link for how to verify your install.
My suggestion if you are that tight on space is to 1) get a new drive or 2) archive some of your larger files. Really how much space did you save by running one of the utilities to "trim the fat"?
To check how much free space is available on your startup disk:
- In Finder, select your startup disk's icon. For most users, this is Macintosh HD.
- Press the Command-I keyboard combination (Get Info).
- The Get Info window for your startup disk will open.
- In the General pane, the Capacity, Available (free space), and space Used on your startup disk will be displayed
- It's recommended that you have 10% free space.
External FireWire drives are very reasonable now. I just purchased a new Seagate ST310005FJA105-RK FreeAgent Desk for Mac 1 TB USB 2.0/FW800 External Hard Drive - Amazon Price: $169.99. It comes with FireWire 800 cable; FireWire 800 to 400 cable; USB cable. 5 yr. warranty. So far I give it a thumbs up.
There are several utilities out there that can help identity large files. WhatSize, BaseLine and GrandPerspective are all reviewed in MacWorld by Dan Frakes's December 30, 2008 article Baseline 1.4.2. Another useful MacWorld article that you should check out is, Byte breakdown on WhatSize, OmniDiskSweeper and GrandPerspective. Disk Inventory X shows the sizes of files and folders in a special graphical way called "treemaps". It's donationware.
Other links to help identifying large files:
- Out-Of-Control Cache or Log File
- Freeing space on your Mac OS X startup disk (just ignore the suggestions to use the utilities like Monolingual and Xslimmer)
Knowledge is power. Read more on Dos and Don'ts for a good install of Office for Mac 2008.
Comments (2)
Drive Genius does that as well. Very very bad idea!!!
This is the fault of the user of the "slimming" app.
xslimmer creates backups so you can roll back changes.
Both Drive Genius and xslimmer have the ability to choose what to remove and what not to.
This apps are only a bad idea for those mac users who are not skilled in computer tech.
Slimming things down not only saves space but it speeds up app launch, the main reason I use both of these applications.
[Emphasis on "who are not skilled" was added by Diane]