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Huge encrypted files filling dribe (lemmy.world)
submitted 5 months ago by Squizzy@lemmy.world to c/linux@lemmy.ml
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Hi all! I am running some recent version of Mint. I have been away for a bit but came back and thenpc reads 0 bytes free. Ooening the directory shows tons of files in home/private/ecryptfs some as small at 12MB and some as big as 170GB.

I tried to get some info but the terminal returned nothing on them, thought it might be shit and I dont have anything precious on it so I moved to delete but was told there are no such files when I did. I tried to sudo remove but got permission denied.

At this point, realising I dont have this connected to the web, and it hasnt been switched on in months despite the files showing ages 1-6 months - I thought an aold fashioned reboot would solve but now Mint won't let me passed the password login.

It recognises incorrect passwords but correct ones give a quick flash of a black screen with a typing marker flashing and back to login.

Any direction appreciated.

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[-] nao@sh.itjust.works 3 points 5 months ago

0 bytes free might be causing this, many things won't work because they want to write something to disk. If logging in doesn't work using the graphical interface, can you log in using a terminal? You can get to one by pressing crtl + alt + f1 on the login screen. If that works, you can try deleting some files and see if you can log in as usual again after rebooting.

[-] Squizzy@lemmy.world 1 points 5 months ago

These were my thoughts, lack of space but it should have hundreds free. I have a 500gb home drive and a separate tb for files.

No idea what process would have created enough info to fill the home drive without an internet correction.

[-] nao@sh.itjust.works 2 points 5 months ago* (last edited 5 months ago)

If you can log in somehow and it manages to mount your encrypted home, you can investigate what files are using the disk space.

[-] Squizzy@lemmy.world 3 points 5 months ago

I wiped it, clean install...then I fucked around with gnome and now I regret things.

I didnt encrypt home this time around. This is a trial interaction for me and that is unnecessary complication.

this post was submitted on 07 Aug 2025
22 points (95.8% liked)

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