Emptying the trash issue

My trash is empty. I throw 1 item in there and then empty the trash. It says it is emptying FOUR items. It takes a long time to empty the 1 item. After it empties and I verify it has no items in it, I do it again and the same thing happens. And it keep shappening over and over. What is going on with my trash and how do I fix it? It does NOT acknowledge the 3 extra items in it once the trash is deleted, but mysteriously puts in 3 extra items which can;t be seen when I go to do the next cleaning. What is going on????

Note to everyone:
Eric, thank you. This solved my problem of having the trash take forever to empty. The 4 files versus only 1 file problem however, kept showing up when I went to delete only 1 file in the trash.
WZZZ: I tried this and nothing happened.
Seventy One: You prompted me to realize there is an "Empty Trash" and a "Secure Empty Trash" toggle and when I switched it back to "Empty Trash", I no longer get the 4 files prompt (even though Secure Empty Trash has 3 extra files each time I empty it). The "Empty Trash" feature just empties it and is done with it. SO the answer to my problem ws a hybrid between both you and Eric.
Anyway guys, thank you so much! I am now Trash normalized and I thank you all!

Similar Messages

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

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

Mac OS 10.5 / I deleted the " Private" folder ... and emptied the trash. So the folder and its contents no longer exists on my computer at all !!! I do have the OS dvd that i purchased years ago... But my computer will not start from it on its own. My

Mac OS 10.5 /
I deleted the " Private" folder ... and emptied the trash. So the folder and its contents no longer exists on my computer at all !!!
I do have the OS 10.5 dvd that i purchased years ago...
But my computer will not start from it on its own.
My question is what is the open source or terminal language code used to tell my mac to look in the DVD rom drive for startup info? I know that im not the only person in this world who has deleted the "PRIVATE" folder and emptied the trash so it no longer exists on their machine...
That said theres gotta be a common fix for a Power PC G4 that has the OS X dvd in the rom drive but wont look to it to reinstall the vital contents of the PRIVATE folder.
Once again there is not a copy of this file or its contents in the recycle bin...
Also rebooting the machine , pressing and holding the letter C does not prompt the machine to look to the dvd rom drive.
I was reinstalling pro tools and figured I would make some room by cleaning my computers HD...
Lol It was a bad choice to delete this file ...
Thanks guys

Okay sorry it took forever to respond... But for a while there I gave up on this computer!!!!
Money's been tight lately , so taking it in to a professional was not yet an option... though I did consider it eventhough.
Anyway long story short im glad I didnt spend any money because I already had all the tools necessary to fix this issue but was going about it in the wrong way. Okay so here is my scenario and the breakdown... Though this may not fix the issue for everyone :( which *****... But I know we all will have different circumstances.
Anyway here we go...
Okay so first things first.... Years ago I purchased the OS 10.5.1 disk ... So that has always been in my possession!!!!
I realize that some may not have a disk to reflash your OS to your hard drive... but if you do your in luck.
2ndly ... I had an external harddrive with all of my itunes downloaded music so it was more than okay with me to delete my primary HD because all the important stuff could either be copied over or repathed to be located.
-------If you dont want to read through the whole story the fix is summed up in the bottom section-------
Okay so now the SOLUTION!!!!
By trial and error , and pure boredom I opened up my computer to clean the inside...
AND
"Disconnected the primary HD"
and just because ....... REBOOTED my computer. Just to see what it would do.
Upon restart and though it looked like it would repeat its usual cycle...
About 1 minute in to that process my computer froze for about 2 seconds and flashed to the OS installation screen.
Mind you I havent seen this screen yet... Probably hasnt been since I installed the OS years ago.
After a bit of trial and error...
I decided to tell my computer to startup from the OS 10.5 disk located in my dvd rom drive and restarted once again...
this setting is under
Utilities / startup disk
After a little more trial and error ... I realized that I could reconnect the primary HD , restart the machine and return to the OS installation menu.
So upon this discovery
I went to the Disk Utility located under Utilities
Highlighted my primary HD located in the left hand column
Once highlighted ...
In the heading section on the right I selected the option
Erase
in which I erased My current OS on my primary HD ...
I used the first option in the list under security... Because it seemed like the least invasive and would take the least amount of time to see if this process would actually work.
I FORGOT to add something...
Another reason why I deleted my primary HD!!!!!
I forgot to say that it WOULD NOT!!!!! Show up in the STARTUP list as an option...Even After multiple reboots....
But like clockwork... Once I deleted its name IT SHOWED UP as an option!!!!
So back to the next step...
I returned to the STARTUP option under utilities ... And was then able to see MY primary HD now as a startup option...
But ofcourse it had no name because it we previously erased it.
So when Clicking my newly erased HD ... I was almost immediately prompted to REINSTALL the OS ...
Which said it would take about 57 minutes ... But I believe was alot less...
My issue was resolved ... My computer then stated the install was SUCCESSFUL!!!!!!! :))))))))))) lol ;)
It was like I was setting up for the first time ;) asking for my registration info...
The dilemma of deleting the private folder and emptying the trash is finally over resolved. Done ... and no extra money spent!!!!!!!!!
Its really crazy that the information for such a simple thing is not readily available. Especially being such a simple fix.
I know im not the only person who's had this issue , because i've seen numerous posts with similar wording.
I also know I wont be the last person to have this issue... So I hope this synopsis makes sense.
-------One more time the fix------
*Insert your OS dvd into your dvd rom drive.
*Unplug your primary HD or corrupted startup disk
*Reboot your machine...
Upon restart your primary HD will not be recognized...
* you will then be prompted to select your language.
Once selected
*Click Utilities/startup... Highlight the the selection that refers to the OS dvd located in the dvd rom drive.
* Click restart...
!!!!!!!!!!Be sure to reconnect your Primary HD Before your computer restarts and you hear the chime!!!!!!!!
If you do not replug your HD before the chime it will not be recognized.
In that case restart again.
Upon restart once again
*Choose your language...
*Click Utilities / disk utility
In the left column select and
*Highlight your HD ...
Then towards the top portion / center of the page
*Click the heading Erase
Then on the page toward the bottom
*Click security options
This will then provide erase options.
I USED THE FIRST OPTION
"Dont erase data"...
*click OK
* click erase...
Once erased which should take a few seconds
*Cancel the disk utility...
* Click Utilities / startup
And your newly erased HD should now appear in the list.
* Select your drive from the list by highlighting
It should no longer have a name.
*Once selected, you will then be prompted to restart and install the OS to your newly erased HD...
Thats it!!!!
Once everything reinstalls re-add your personal info or registration info and you are up and running.
Goodluck ;)

I tried to open a folder in my Documents. It does not show in any window but does show up when I am half way between windows. It did the same thing when I tried to empty the trash. It asked if that was what I wanted but I could't say yes because it was or

I tried to open a folder in my Documents. It does not show in any window but does show up when I am half way between windows. It did the same thing when I tried to empty the trash. It asked if that was what I wanted but I could't say yes because it was or

what is your question/issue here? did the folder have any content in it to begin with? screen shots of what you may be seeing?
if english isn't your native language, write it in what you are most comfortable speaking in to describe your issue.

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

It seems that somehow I no longer have permission to empty the trash...

Recently, I have run into a problem in that I can't empty the trash because, according to the pop up, I do not have permission to delete some items that are in the trash. ***?
The items I currently can't delte were put there from a jump (flash) drive. Is this the issue? I didn't have that probelm before upgrading to Lion. How can I get permission to empty the trash so that these things come off the flash drive and the trash get emptied?
Thanks for any help....

With that one, I get
rm: illegal operation
usage:rm [-f |-i] [-dPRrvw]file ...
unlink file
(My Name)-iMac:~(my name) (the password)
-bash: (password): command not found
(My Name)-iMac:~(my name)
In the case of the parenthisis, my name is showing as my actual name--although the last letter of name has an s added to it, whcih sometimes shows up as a dollar sign, and the password in parenthisis is the correct password.
Still nothing as far as getting the file out of the trash
Could the 'unlink file' string have something to do with OS X doesn't remove the file totally from the flash drive until it's been erased in the trash And if it isn't getting it erased in the trash, it won't be erased on the flash drive. It should be noted that within the flash drive is an unhighlighted file named .Trashes.
Really confused and frustrated at this point.
< Edited By Host >

Getting error code 8003 when trying to empty trash, lots and lots of stuff in there but it won't let me empty the trash.

getting error code 8003 when trying to empty trash, lots and lots of stuff in there but it won't let me empty the trash.

Thomas...
Try Trash IT for Mac > http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/8214/trash-it!
It helped users with the same issue here > https://discussions.apple.com/message/16995454#16995454

TS3297 I can't empty the trash. I keep getting error code -8003, I have tried the terminal methods including both sudo and chflags. The apps that won't delete are

I can't empty the trash I have three different versions of Quicken Essentials that should have been deleted and also some iskysoft apps [two ]. I tries to delete them but I always get a -8003 error. I ve tried using the terminal with both the sudo and chflags methods. No effect. Can anyone give a method that would work to delete the five? In advanced appreciation.

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

I wanted to empty the trash but I get an error code -8003 and I can't continue. What's up?

I wanted to empty the trash but I get an error code -8003 and I can't continue. What's up?

Hi pete down under!
Here is an article that addresses this issue and should be able to help you resolve it:
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

I inadvertently deleted and emptied the trash bin on Firefox. I have a MAC OSX-VERSION 10.4.11. How can I re-install the latest version of Firefox that is COMPUTER FRIENDLY for the MAC OSX Version 10.4.11? I appreciate any help.

I inadvertently deleted Firefox and emptied the trash bin. I believe it was version 3.5. I have a MAC OSX 10.4.11. After several futile attemps how can I re-install the latest version of Firefox compatible to my MAC system? Thanks!

As of Firefox 4.0 and newer the Firefox builds from Mozilla requires both Mac OSX 10.'''5'''+ and a Intel.
Either you can use 3.6.19 from http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/firefox/all-older.html
Though for you 3.6.18 will be safe also as 3.6.19 was to workaround a font crashing issue on 10.7 Lion that was not fixed in time on Lion before release. http://releases.mozilla.org/pub/mozilla.org/firefox/releases/3.6.18/mac/ and pick your language and download the Firefox 3.6.18.dmg

I can't empty the trash or format the disk on my macmini (2009)

Hi,
I'm hoping someone can help. I deleted some old timemachine backups from my external hard-drive.
Since then I have been unable to empty the trash. I've tried 'trash it!', option>empty trash securely, restarting the computer, the terminal. Nothing has worked and unfortunatley I have no space at all left on my startup disk. I can't rename the files left in the trash either.
Luckily my mac is backed up so I decided to format the disk. When I go into disk utilities and click on erase and select the HD all the fields are faded out i.e. i can't select to erase the disk.
So I repaired the disk, verified the disk & tried again... no joy.
Any ideas would be fantastic!

Okay, I solved the problem so for anyone who has the same issue, this might help:
The reason I couldn't empty the trash was because I had dragged timemachine backup files I no longer needed into the trash, which screwed everything up.
Here's a video on how to delete timemachine backup files properly.
So basically, I solved the problem by formatting the external hard drive in disk utilities through my mac mini.

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.

Upgraded to 10.5.6 and now I can't empty the trash?!?

Anyone else have this issue? If I try to empty the trash the finder locks up & I have to force quit it. I discovered that the only way to empty now is to open the trash & use the "empty" button in the trash window. Any other method crashes the finder. I've repaired permissions but that didn't help.
Any ideas?

HI,
"do accounts go corrupt? Is there a way to create a new administrator account?"
Oh yes, an admin account can become unstable. Whether or not you can create a new admin account, I don't think so. If it were me, I'd back up the system and perform an Archive and Install. But that's just my two cents. Hopefully more users will offer up more advice.
Carolyn

Emptying the trash issue

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