Emptying the Trash causes Finder freeze

I recently added more RAM, installed a new hard drive and then upgraded the OS to Leopard. So this is my problem. When there are many files in the trash (2k or more) the emptying trash window comes up and shows as the files are deleted and then the window freezes. If I wait for several minutes, the Finder window disappears and then relaunches and the trash is empty. If I empty the trash when there are less than 2,000 files it empties like normal. I ran permissions, and verified the hard drive. All are normal with no errors. I also ran my virus checker but no viruses. Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.

First, if you have any third-party contextual menu items installed try removing them and restarting.
Try deleting the /Home/Library/Preferences/com.apple.finder.plist preference file.
Try booting into safe mode to see if the problem persists.

Similar Messages

I manually deleted back-ups from Time Machine and now I can't empty the trash

I manually deleted back-ups from Time Machine and now I can't empty the trash.

Using Finder (deleting Time Machine backups) to manage Time Machine files is a mistake. The remedy is somewhat easy, but you will lose all the files on that TM drive.
If there is nothing elese on the Time Machine drive, try reformatting the drive with Disk Utility. This will effectively remove the files from that drive from the trash. If you have files on this drive, temporarily copy the files to another drive, then reformat the TM drive.

Emptying the trash makes my computer freeze and shut down

Hello. Everytime I try to empty the trash, my screen goes black and I get a message that I have to shut down. The computer totally freezes and the only thing I can do is shut down. I've tried deleting the trash using terminal and the same thing happens. Any suggestions as to how to resolve this?? thanks
( I don't think it's a file that is in the trash, as i have tried emptying the trash with just one file in it, a quicktime movie, and i still get the same problem)

HI dgx,
Any and all "trash" issues, look here: http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html
Carolyn

Emptying the trash can in iphoto causes the grey exclamation point.

Shortly after buying my new mac I made the cardinal error of manipulating some of my photos directly through finder, and ended up totally messing up my iphoto library. It's basically fine now, after much heartache - and I back up disc copies regularly and I also use time machine now. However, the other day I noticed there was a ridiculous amount of photos in my iphoto trash can - so I emptied the trash can in iphoto. I immediately got the grey exclamation point of death back in probably one third of my pictures. I restored the library from time machine, and the ex points went away, but does this mean that the link is bouncing THROUGH my trash can to get to the file? Is there any way for me to safely empty that trash can without having to once again rebuild my photo library?? (I'm a total shutterbug and don't want or need that hassle...)
I'm running the new iphoto 09 - but the problem was there before I installed the upgrade.
Something tells me OldToad is going to reply to this one... (At least I'm hoping...)
Thanks for any and all input.

Well hello, Old Toad, thought you might find us.
Terence, last night I backed up my library in time machine, emptied the trash can in iphoto (took five or six attempts, iphoto kept shutting down) and then rebuilt the library. Just an fyi, when I said ridiculous amount, I meant it - there are 26000 plus photos in my trash can. (I know why, but I think it's unimportant to this issue).
When I rebuilt it found 13000 plus photos to reinstate. I said ok, and around three hours later it was all said and done. No change, I still have the grey exclamation point of death on about a third of my photos in the events. The reinstated photos are all in an album, not an event - I can't seem to move them from the album into an event, and there aren't a lot of them there anyways that I'm all that attached to.
SO...
I restored the backup copy from time machine. Tonight, I will try OldToad's recommendation and try to put these photos back into their original homes, but with that many pics It may be Tuesday or so before you here back from me...
Wish me luck, thanks SO MUCH for the suggestions, and I'll keep you posted.

I tried to empty the trash, full of back up file from my hard disk and it just says: "The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003)"

I have an external hard disk of 319.73 GB that I use as back up memory and where I put all the movies and other files that I can't leave on the computer as they occupy too much memory space . One day I was deleting all the previous dated back up to have more space on it , but had to stop the trash for doing it cause it was taking too long and now every time that I try to empty the trash it just says "The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003)" and even if I press CONTINUE it won't empting it . I'm not really pratical with this things and I tried already to find out the solution here and on Google but apparently nobody ever had a similar error code and I don't know what else to do.
I've a MacBook Pro with a Mac OS X 10.6.8 Version.
Thanks again for the help and sorry if I did some english mistakes !
PEACE & LOVE

Hey donnie90,
It seems like this article might be the best for helping you address this issue:
You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash
http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1526
Thanks for coming to the Apple Support Communities!
Regards,
Braden

Permissions Armaggedon, Evernote Crashes, Back-up Disasters, and Passwords Required To Empty The Trash

I just bought a new Macbook Pro with OSX Lion 10.7.2. I had a 2009 Macbook and I migrated all the information from that notebook to my new one. I used a G-Drive External Hard Drive, and the migration seemed to have worked perfectly.
At first everything worked like a mac - perfectly.
The next day there were several problems. The only thing I think happened in between the following problems and the flawless functioning was a software update. I've attached screen shots of everything I could.
Here are the problems:
1. Permissions Armageddon
Every time i try to modify one of the documents that I migrated from the other macbook, it tells me another application changed the file, and if I would like to save my changes anyway.
I click "Save Anyway", but then it says I don't have permission to alter the document. I've repaired permissions on my mac several times to no avail.
I can fix this for each doc using the following sequence:
Open Doc in Finder -> Command I (Get Info) -> Sharing & Permissions -> change all the users to "Read & Write"
The problem is this takes about a minute for each doc, and it seems like there has to be a workaround. I've also tried selecting an entire file and applying permissions to the enclosed documents. This never does anything.
I want to be able to open a doc and edit it without needing to change permissions every time.
I don't know how to use Terminal and I'm afraid I'll mess up my computer if i try something.
2. Back-Up Disasters
I turned on Time Machine and every time it backs up it says its backing up the entire contents of my mac. Shouldn't it just back up the new changes?
3. Passwords Required To Empty The Trash & Add Items To The Trash
Every time I add a document, application, or file of any kind to the trash, I'm asked for my password. Has anyone else experienced and/or resolved this issue?
I've heard others say this is simply an extra security feature, but I wanted to make sure. If anyone from Apple sees this - please remove this redundant and unecessary feature that wastes so much time.
4. Evernote Crashes Upon Launch
Evernote crashes every time i open the application. Any idea whats causing this? Iv'e tried moving it to the trash, deleting it, and re-installing it with no luck.
Thanks for your help Apple Community!

The reason why some of the files are blocking the trash from emptying is because of specific ".app" files from third party companies like Adobe products. Not the user files or the various help documents but instead the actual mother program. Here's how to fix this problem:
1) remove from the trash all the actual software programs like Photoshop, InDesign, DreamWeaver and so on and put them on the desktop.
2) Command "I" (info) and when the dialog box opens go to the "Name & Extension" text box and remove the ".app" from the software name. Example: Photoshop.app change to Photoshop.
3) the program icon will change to a "folder icon".
4) put the folder icon back into the trash and you should be able to now empty the trash.
If you continue to get the error code 8003 it's because you may still have one or more software programs in the trash that needs to go through this process. Remember - it's not the user files or help documents or supporting files that is causing this but instead the "actual product programs".
JKai

Why do I get error code -8003 when attempting to empty the trash?

I moved a number of folders from a back-up drive (using Time Machine) to the trash, and have had no success in getting them out of the trash. Option+Empty, Option+Secure Empty Trash, after using Disk Utility to repair permissions and then try again, and the TrashIt! app.. nothing is working. I'm not in need of the space, I just want to get rid of the items. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated, as I can't even find 'Error Code -8003' anywhere. tx

The reason why some of the files are blocking the trash from emptying is because of specific ".app" files from third party companies like Adobe products. Not the user files or the various help documents but instead the actual mother program. Here's how to fix this problem:
1) remove from the trash all the actual software programs like Photoshop, InDesign, DreamWeaver and so on and put them on the desktop.
2) Command "I" (info) and when the dialog box opens go to the "Name & Extension" text box and remove the ".app" from the software name. Example: Photoshop.app change to Photoshop.
3) the program icon will change to a "folder icon".
4) put the folder icon back into the trash and you should be able to now empty the trash.
If you continue to get the error code 8003 it's because you may still have one or more software programs in the trash that needs to go through this process. Remember - it's not the user files or help documents or supporting files that is causing this but instead the "actual product programs".
JKai

I don't have permission to empty the trash securely.

The initial cause of the problem may be that accidentally dragged my downloads folder from the tool bar into the trash. I do not see the downloads folder in the trash. When I try to empty the trash, I see indication that many files are being deleted. I eventually get a message telling me that I do not have sufficient permission to empty the trash. My options are STOP or CONTINUE. Seems that no matter what option I choose, no more trash disappears. Please advise. Thanks in advance.

Repairing permissions is important, and should always be carried out both before and after any software installation or update.
Go to Disk Utility (this is in your Utilities Folder in your Application folder) and click on the icon of your hard disk (not the one with all the numbers).
In First Aid, click on Repair Permissions.
This only takes a minute or two in Tiger, but much longer in Leopard.
Background information here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=25751
and here:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=302672
An article on troubleshooting Permissions can be found here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2963
By the way, you can ignore any messages about SUID or ACL file permissions, as explained here:
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1448?viewlocale=en_US
If you were having any serious problems with your Mac you might as well complete the exercise by repairing your hard disk as well. You cannot do this from the same start-up disk. Reboot from your install disk (holding down the C key). Once it opens, select your language, and then go to Disk Utility from the Utilities menu. Select your hard disk as before and click Repair.
Once that is complete reboot again from your usual start-up disk.
More useful reading here:
Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck
http://support.apple.com/kb/TS1417?viewlocale=en_US
For a full description of how to resolve Disk, Permission and Cache Corruption, you should read this FAQ from the X Lab:
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/repairprocess.html

Regarding emptying the trash

Regarding emptying the trash, I tried using key cmd+shift+BackSp and it worked.

If you look on the Finder Menu, that key sequence is shown as the shortcut for Empty Trash. You have not uncovered anything secret.
Unlike the PC, that key near the upper right of a Mac keyboard is deliberatley labeled "delete" to make its function unambigously clear.

Error message: File can't be opened right now because it's being used by another task, such as moving or copying an item or emptying the Trash. Try again when the current task is complete.

I recently transferred some data from my external hard drive to my desktop, but there was an error transferring some of the files and it couldn't respond, and eventually i simply removed the external hard drive. However, the folder/files are still on my desktop, and when i try to move them or delete them, this error message appears:
“-folder/file name-” can’t be opened right now because it’s being used by another task, such as moving or copying an item or emptying the Trash. Try again when the current task is complete.
Since I removed the external hard drive before the files were finished transferring, there is no way for the current task to be completed. How can I resolve this and delete the folders/files from my desktop?

I just managed to resolve this by going to the apple sign in the top left, choosing force quit (or you could do option+command+esc), then i chose finder, and i clicked relaunch. After relaunching finder, the error message doesn't appear anymore, and I could move these files/folders, and delete them just fine.
Hope this will help other people who encounter similar problems in the future!

What is the keyboard shortcut for emptying the trash? I've tried "command-click on the trash folder", but nothing happens.

I've looked at the articles on keyboard/mouse click shortcuts; and the only reference I saw for emptying the trash said that right clicking on the trash folder would bring up a menu of options and that one of these would be to empty the trash.
Not the case.
I'm using Thunderbird 24.3.0 on an mac running OS 10.9.2 . When I use the mac version of right click (that is -- control click) I get the following menu options: Open in New tab * Open in New Window * Rename * Favorite Folder * Properties
Empty the trash is not among the options. Since this is such a fundamental operation, I would think a keyboard or mouse-click shortcut would be obvious. What am I missing?
I should add that we manage several email accounts and that they all use "Trash on Local Folders".

Thank you for the reply. Sadly, it didn't work.
On a mac, alt and option share the same key. I tried using option/alt in combination with command, control and shift (+f) -- but none worked. None of these combinations did anything at all. Is that a clue? Could a plugin be causing the problem? In search of a resolution, I deactivated most of my Plugins. Those left are:
* Adobe Acrobat NPAPi Plug-in
* AdobeExManDetect 1.1.0
* Flip4Mac Windows Media Plugin
* Jave Applet Plug-in Java 7 Update 51
* QuickTime Plug-in 7.7.3
* Sharepoint Browser Plug-in 14.3.1.
* Shockwave Flash 12.0.0.70
Don't know what they do exactly. I have no extensions.
Does this help?

I have iphoto 08 version 7.1.5. I copied photos from recent - last import into albums. I then deleted the photos and emptied the trash. Today all the albums are empty and the photos are nowhere in the library. Have I lost them all?

I have iphoto 08 version 7.1.5. I copied photos from recent - last import into albums. I then deleted the photos and emptied the trash. Today all the albums are empty and the photos are nowhere in the library. Have I lost them all?

OK, here are a set of screenshots with my step by step - maybe you will be able to spot where I've gone awry:
I find a photo in the Library that I will delete from an album:
I go down to my Albums and find the picture in one of them:
I hover over the pic so the little down arrow appears in the bottom right-hand corner. I click on it, then click on the Trash Can in the window that drops down:
Gone from the Album:
Gone from the Library:
In the Trash:
Whaddup with that?
GB

My startup disk keeps saying it is full but I have deleted as much as I can and emptied the trash......what do I do?

My startup disk keeps saying it is full and has done for a few moths. I have been through and deleted as much as I can, transferred movies to an external drive and emptied the trash, but it keeps coming up as full again after a while even though I haven't loaed anything else on......what do I do? It is so short of space now that it is saying there isn't enough memory to run some applications?? HELP!! I am new at all this stuff.

It sounds like a runaway process is filling up your volume.
Boot in safe mode. First, disconnect all wired peripherals except keyboard, mouse, and monitor, if applicable, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. The instructions provided by Apple are as follows:
Be sure your Mac is shut down.
Press the power button.
Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold the Shift key. The Shift key should be held as soon as possible after the startup tone, but not before the tone.
Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple icon and the progress indicator (looks like a spinning gear).
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including your login items.
Use a tool such as the one linked below to explore your volume and find out what's taking up the space:
OmniDiskSweeper - Products - The Omni Group

Please help me delete files and empty the trash..

I am unable to empty the trash and also delete files from an extrnal HD.
Its so ridiculous. Finder ***** big time again.
Is there a simple solution without having to read pages of instructions or open terminal and start typing things i dont understand that could harm my mac?
thanks

Some of the suggestions you may have already tried: http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1526 You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash
What to do when the Trash won’t empty
Apple admit it
These are user-to-user forums where everyday folk (volunteers) post questions and offer answers (technical support) to each other.
Apple involvement. Apple may respond to questions but does not formally provide technical support on the Site. Any information that is provided by Apple or Apple employees is offered on an "AS IS" basis without warranties of any kind.
Post your complaints/concerns/suggestions on the Product Feedback website.

How to empty the trash? The process end without delete

I need help on how to empty the trash - it is 48900 items to be deleted and the process ends without deleting anythng.

OK, I see. have you checked your "Computer" and see if there's something mounted ? Do you know what I mean ? Go to the Finder menu, and click on Go > Computer. At the bottom there might be something that is blocking the items you can't delete normally. You need to EJECT whatever is mounted there, before the blocked items can be released.

Emptying the Trash causes Finder freeze

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for