Can't empty trash bin error: -8003

I'm trying to delete files from my Mac.
Whenever I try to empty my trash bin this message appears: Can't complete operation. Error found. (error: -8003)
Please help!

This is most commonly due to deleting files from a Time Machine backup using the Finder, which is not something you should be doing. You could easily have corrupted your backups at this point. If you can put those items back where they originally came from, that would be preferable. If not, see:
Can't empty the trash after deleting backups via the Finder
If this isn't due to deleting Time Machine backups, there may be other issues. Forcing the trash to empty using the methods that have been given by others may solve the problem, but cover up other symptoms. I would recommend repairing the hard drive and permissions using Disk Utility.

Similar Messages

I can't empty trash. Error code -8003

I can't empty the trash (neither "secure" nor regular).
OSX 10.6.8
Full error message: "The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003)."

This is not unusual, and has been discussed here a few times.
There maybe some useful tips here:
http://www.macworld.com/article/1166851/really_empty_trash.html

Cant empty trash unexpected error -8003

If this is any different to people who have had this error from deleting Time Machine backup - this was from deleting the files in pubsub's feeds folder:
After finding that pubsubagent had filled a folder with 5 million files - ! - I sent them to the trash. Now the trash refuses to empty.
- regular or forced (option key) Empty trash counts the 3.3 million files, doesn't delete any of them, and finally says:
The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).
I tried Secure empty - this appears to work, but of course slowly - at 1 second per file will take 6.2 years...
I tried a script called Trash It! - it unlocked and changed permissions on the files in the trash - took 24 hours. It didn't delete them, though - just stuck.
Similarly, Onyx - completetion bar goes most of the way and then just gets stuck.
I also found a terminal command to empty and delete the entire trash folder and then recreate it. That used the rm command, but seemed to be going very slowly or stuck - also left for 24 hour.
Is there anything I can do to empty this trash?
Thanks in advance...

I would try rm the entire trash directory.
re: http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html

I can't empty trash. I keep getting error code -8003. What should I do?

Recently, I found out that I cannot empty my trash. A error windows kept coming up when I try to empty trash. Error code -8003 kept coming up. What should I do?

Open the trash bin as a Finder window. Hold down option and click "Empty Securely"; this bypasses the permissions issue.

How can I empty trash? It won't empty. I received error code -8003.

How can I empty trash? It won't empty. I received error code -8003.

Usually rebooting clears it so you can empty the trash, otherwise:
Can't empty trash:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT1526?viewlocale=en_US
How to Force Empty the Trash:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html#Anchor-Force-11481

Can't empty trash because of error code -8003

I can't empty trash which contains numerous items because of error code -8003. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

Read other postings. Downloaded Trash It. Problem solved. EC

-8003 Error "Can't Empty Trash" only with specific item

Tried to get rid of a folder for an applicaiton that I'd downloaded & installed on a trial basis, then decided not to buy.
Any time I trash this folder with the app and related files, I get the "Can't Empty Trash -8003" error.
If I remove that folder, I can empty the trash fine.
Any ideas?
(the download app is Extensis Portfolio 8.5)

You could try using TrashIt!
Here's a cnet article about -8003:
Here's another discussion on the same topic.
Here's a general article on solving trash problems.

Hard Drive is full. Didn't empty trash bin but can't see deleted files.

My MBP Retina is warning me that hard drive is full. I have deleted large files, but they don't appear in trash. Can't see them in folder either. But memory issue persists. Never emptied trash bin, but still can't see them.

I have the same problem. My hard drive is full and my trash appears empty. When I drag items to trash it makes the sound but the file doesn't delete and or appear in the trash can. I've tried holding down "option" to empty, going to Finder and holding "shift+command+option" but nothing happens.
Help?

Where is empty trash bin option with kdemo4

Hi guys !
I'm new with kdemod , and i really like it . However i have some questions , where is the empty trash bin option ? When i right click on the trash icon all i get is delete icon and some other options abou the icon .
Also , why i can't see downloaded files (which are downloaded to desktop) on desktop and i have to go through /home/myname/Desktop to access them ?
And lastly , i want to use kdemod with no effects at all , i go through System Settings , Desktop and turn off Desktop Effects ? (i did that and i can still see the preview of windows when the mouse goes over them)
Thanks for your help
Last edited by shak (2009-03-29 17:27:39)

About the trash can - What icon are you refering to? The one on the desktop? Anyway I see the option to empty for any trash icons (on desktop or in dolphin) so I'm not sure what the problem is on your end.
For the desktop view, I know there's a setting that needs to be changed to get that, but I don't know it myself.
For the window preview - Is that the only effect you're seeing? If you mean the preview in the task bar, that's not turned on or off by the desktop effects. If you right click on the task bar you can get to options and uncheck "show tooltips"

Have file in Trash and can not empty trash . Showing 63 files and tried to shut down and restart and still will not empty

Have file in Trash and can not empty trash . Showing 63 files and tried to shut down and restart and still will not empty.Anyone know what can be done?

You are welcome. Glad I could help/
Allan

Emailing Excel sheets-can't empty trash

I notice anytime I send someone an Excel spreadsheet & then dump that excel into trash I can't empty trash, why is this? I close down all excel worksheets. I even trash the sent mail that had the excel attachment. Why does it think there's still an open Excel running? Is there a simpler solution then having to use Mac Janitor or Onyx everytime I do this?

Sometimes the Mail application will hold up the process. I can't explain why, but next time try quiting Mail when you have that problem. Then you should be able to empty the trash.

IS there anpossible ways to retreive a file after it was erased and emptied trash bin?, IS there anpossible ways to retreive a file after it was erased and emptied trash bin?

Is there any possible way to retreive an erased file aftyer emptied trash bin?

Buy a disk drive. Use TimeMachine. Put a 2nd partition that you use to clone your system.
Have 2-3 sets of your files: active working files, backup #1 and backup #2
Mac OS X Help
http://www.apple.com/support/macbasics/
Isolating Issues in Mac OS
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1388
https://www.apple.com/support/osx/
https://www.apple.com/support/quickassist/
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/help/
http://www.apple.com/support/mac101/tour/
Get Help with your Product
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=304725
Mac OS Printing/Fax (any version), OS X Lion, OS X Mountain Lion
http://www.apple.com/support/osx/
printing in OS X Mountain Lion
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4670
TimeMachine 101
https://support.apple.com/kb/HT1427
Mac OS X & Mountain Lion Community
https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os
https://discussions.apple.com/community/mac_os/os_x_mountain_lion?view=discussio ns
Recovery Mode
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718
ExpressLane
https://expresslane.apple.com/
Direct you to the proper forum for MacBook :
MacBook Series Forums
https://discussions.apple.com/community/notebooks?view=discussions

Can't empty trash in OSX10.6.8. Used Trashit unsucessfully. If I run sudo rm -ri ~/.Trash, terminal crashes

Can't empty trash in OSX10.6.8. Used Trashit unsucessfully. If I run sudo rm -ri ~/.Trash, terminal crashes. PowerMac G-5

This should do the job without all the Ys. BUT you must be 100% certain you have entered the command EXACTLY as written below. One typo and you could lose all the data in your user. Copy/paste only and TRIPLE check it's entered properly in Terminal. The -f option, instead of the -i option will force empty and delete immediately. No questions. (rm is remove/delete, -r is everything inside the folder, -f is force, no questions)
sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash
There is a single space between sudo and rm
" rm and -rf
" -rf and ~/.Trash
NO SPACES IN ~/.Trash
It may take a while, depending on how many items are being deleted. You'll know it's done when you get a new $ sign prompt.

Empty trash bin gives an error code 8003

When I choose empty trash or secure empty trash in Finder, it craps out with the following message
The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).
I used the diskutility to repair permissions, and that didn't solve it. I also rebooted the system, and that didn't resolve it either.
I don't see any messages in the Forums with this topic.
Anyone got any ideas what the problem is and how to fix it? I've got quite a bit of disk space that I'd like to recover and I can't the way it is right now.

I don't see any messages in the Forums with this topic.
http://discussions.apple.com/search.jspa?search=Go&q=8003

Error 8003 - can't empty trash

I have deleted loads of ex-vidio clip files from iMovie and have got down to the last few. The trash will not delete these saying Error 8003. I am trying to reduce the files in my external 1TB drive which also contains back-ups of my hard drive and Time Machine. Is there anyway I can get rid of these remaining files.
Thanks
I am using 10.6.8 on an iMac

sydneyjames wrote:
EJECT the external drive from the desktop, empty trash WORKED, then disconnect and reconnect the external drive USB to use it again.
That makes the trash on the external HD disappear from the trash shown on your Mac, but doesn't empty it.
I'm having to do this every time I want to empty trash so it's not solving the root problem, but at least I can empty the HUGE time machine backups.
You shouldn't have to delete Time Machine backups, as Time Machine will automatically delete the oldest ones when it needs room for new ones. If you do want to delete any manually,don't use the Finder. Use the Time Machine display. See #12 inTime Machine - Frequently Asked Questions.
For the ones you've already got hung up in the external's trash, see #E6 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting.

Can't empty trash bin error: -8003

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