Clear cache in OS Monterey 12.7.6

Chiquita81 wrote:

I would like to clear the cache in Library, which has a lot in it. I would like to know if it is safe to "delete all", move to trash and clear trash.

Thanks

System Caches file and Application Caches file are there for a reason.

To help make the Operating System or Application load and operate more quickly

By deleting the System Caches files or Application Caches files will slow don either or both.

System Cache files or Application Caches file Will the Recreated as needed by either to both

The you get into an infinite loop of Deleting the caches file only for then to recreated

Getting into this ongoing Loop of delete and recreate will over time have a Negative Effect on the internal Drive and may hasten the onset of a drive wear out

Likely so, but Get Onyx & deep clean all the caches & restart...

https://www.titanium-software.fr/en/onyx.html

1st restart will not be full speed as fresh caches are being rebuilt.

Give this a try: boot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and test to see if the problem persists. Reboot normally and test again.

NOTE 1: Safe Mode boot can take up to 3 - 5 minutes as it's doing the following; 

• Verifies your startup disk and attempts to repair directory issues, if needed

• Loads only required kernel extensions (prevents 3rd party kernel/extensions from loading)

• Prevents Startup Items and Login Items from opening automatically

• Disables user-installed fonts 

➙ • Deletes font caches, kernel cache, and other system cache files ⬅︎ ⬅︎

NOTE 2: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will insure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

You are welcome just the same

Restart in Safe Mode.

This will perform a Disk Repair, Clear System Cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts.

No Third Party software involved

👍

3-2-1 Rescue Plan ( adapted from @leroydouglas )

If you have used or are using Time Machine Backup Utility  you maybe able to Restore the Deleted Files 

For future purposes

To truly protect your non replaceable Data - have a 3-2-1 Rescue Plan in place and always current

3 Backups using 2 methods and 1 off site incase of natural disaster or un-natural disaster.

Each of the above should be done to a Dedicated Single Purposed External Drive 

https://bombich.com

Chiquita81 wrote:

Thanks again. If I remember correctly I did restart in Safe Mode once. However, I lost some of my passwords among other items. Moreover, I am a Court Appointed Special Advocate volunteer (CASA). I represent in court abused and neglected children in the foster care system. I cannot risk losing any of the important documents. An Apple senior advisor told me that my time machine is malfunctioning, and I cannot retrieve properly items that I protected on my external drive.

. I hope I can find one who will help. I am extremely busy with the two cases I have had for the past 4+ years. I'll tackle the cache as soon as I have time to speak to Apple.

Thank you so much for your help!

Welcome just the same

Passwords Lost when starting in Safe Mode ?

In the 20 years using every version of OSX 10.4 Tiger through to and including the current macOS Sonoma

Have never every heard of losing passwords after starting in Safe Mode

As for the " Competence of some Apple Advisor " No comment without my Lawyer being present

Perhaps my more learned colleague @BDAqua who has been at this a lot longer has heard of this but I doubt that

[Edited by Moderator]

I've not heard of that specifically, since Safe Mode Repairs drive corruption AND clears some caches, it is theoretically possible for any data to get lost.

Only answer is to have at least 2 backups, a good clone, say using Carbon Copy Cloner seems to accomplish it...

https://bombich.com

And a Time Machine Backup... I would not count on TM alone.

Thank you 👍

You're welcome my friend.:)