Error code -8003? Can't empty trash

All I'm trying to do is empty my trash. All that's in the trash are a bunch of empty folders, but whenever I go "Finder > Empty Trash," I get the usual thermometer bar for a few seconds (which seems odd in itself, considering how small the files in the Trash are), then this error message:
The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).
I ran Disk Utility, Repaired Permissions, it gave me a clean bill of health. I then re-started the iMac, and when it was fully booted, tried to empty the trash again. Same error message.
Then I ran OnyX v2.1.4, no problems, restarted, tried to empty the trash, same result.
Then I ran Maintenance v1.3.2, no problems, restarted, tried to empty the trash, same result.
In each case of verifying or repairing disk or permissions, all three utilities generated humongous logs, which I've saved.
I looked on Apple's Support site for error codes. I was directed to this page:
http://support.apple.com/kb/HT2088?viewlocale=en_US
Which says "Mac OS System Error Codes: 1 to 32767," which one would think to be inclusive of error code -8033… but it ain't: the error codes go from 103 (ds32BitMode (booting in 32-bit on a 24-bit sys) to 20000 (dsShutDownOrRestart user choice between ShutDown and Restart)
I've tried several other sites that claim to have listings of Mac error codes, but it's my understanding -- please correct me if I'm wrong -- that error codes are not static; they evolve with the system.
BTW, all this happened after installing the latest software update, which included the 356th new driver for HP Printers this week alone, and something else I can't remember.
Whatever the case, I can't get rid of these empty folders. Any ideas?
Thanks!
Bart Brown

Thanks for the links and tips -- I was so brain-fogged last night (allergies + incredible pollen count = brain fog), and it's been so long since I had an "empty trash" problem, I completely forgot about the option key.
What's REALLY bizarre (to me) is how I accidentally fixed the problem:
I opened the Trash window (in "list" view), and did a Command-Option-Right Arrow (which opens all folders and subfolders), trying to see if I could find anything OTHER than empty folders. There were a few files, but nothing out of the ordinary. I closed the Trash window, and decided -- just for the **** of it -- to empty the Trash again. Finder > Empty Trash, and poof! All gone!
Thanks again -- very useful links!
Bart Brown

Similar Messages

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.

What does error code -8003 mean regarding emptying the trash?

I have a MacBook Pro '08, w/OS 10.6.8. Need to clear the contents of my external drive, and keep getting this code while attempting to empty the trash. I cannot find this error code on the Apple website, and need to know where to turn. Any help would be appreciated.

Since asking this question, I've found a number of updated answers and solutions to my question.

I receive -50 error code when trying to empty trash.

Trash will not empty. These files were moved from an external drive.

Anything here that helps? http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html

IMac OSX 10.6.8: error code -8003 issue when trying to empty trash

I get the following error code when trying to empty trash:
The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

Have a look here for help: http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20020873-263.html

How do I deal with error code -8003 ?

When I try to empty my Trash with a certain app in it I get error code -8003. I can't find reference to that code anywhere and do not know how to clean up the trash.
"The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003)."

Try using Trash It!
Possibly helpful articles:
The X Lab: Solving Trash Problems
You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash
Error -8003 or other problems with emptying the OS X Trash

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

Empty trash The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

I can't empty my trash. The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).
I have started up in a guest account and that show empty trash bucket.
I have use 'option' or all three, control, option, command. and nothing works.
This has been a problem for about 3 weeks now.
I have an external WD hardrive for back up, these are the files that I try to erase - and I have unlocked each one, still no luck....
Can some one give me a hint what to do?
Jan

Don;
Plus all of you that have tried to help me with my 'empty trash' problem. I have it solved!
I am running a Western Digital external hard drive. I phoned them just now and they asked me to unplug the WD drive, and I reset the back up occasions, it was backing up every hour, which was way too often. The trash emptied when I unplugged and now I have rebooted and the trash is still empty
Thanks to all who gave me suggestions as to what I needed to do to empty my trash can! It had more than 1600 items living there. What a relief.
Jan

When trying to empty trash, (securely or not), I get this: The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

When trying to empty trash, (securely or not), I get this: The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003). FWIW, there are nearly 3000 items in my Trash - although this does not seem the source of the problem.

Have you read for possible solutions over in the "More Like This" thread over here?----------------------->

HT1526 I can't empty the trash and it says error code -8003. What can I do to fix this? I need to empty as my hardrive is nearly full.

Hey,
I keep trying to empty the trash on my macbook pro as it says i have just under 2gb of harddrive space left. I can't update my software as i don't have enough harddrive space left.
Every time i try and empty the trash it says that it can't empty the trash and gives an error code -8003.
Any ideas how i can fix this?
Many Thanks,
Charlie

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

My 15" MacBook Pro (early 2008) will not empty the trash can.The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

My 15" MacBook Pro (early 2008) will not empty the trash can.The operation can’t be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).

Just the Option key. Third from the left on the bottom row.
If that does not work, try the more elaborate steps described here:
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20020873-263.html

Can't empty my Trash-Keep getting "Operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003). Anyone know what to do?

Can't empty my Trash-Keep getting "Operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003). Anyone know what to do?

I had the same problem yesterday with an application file that was deleted after installation of an update. I used "Put Back" to move it back to its original location, then used "Show Package Contents" to delete/empty trash for small groups of files at a time. I suppose the application file itself may have been too large to empty at one time. I hope this helps.

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

HT1338 My kid down loaded mackeeper and now I can not get rid of it. I have tried all techniques suggesting on several sites and still can not empty the trash can. keep getting error code -8003. Help.

My kid down loaded mackeeper and now I can not get rid of it. I have tried all techniques suggesting on several sites and still can not empty the trash can. keep getting error code -8003. Help.

http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20020873-263.html
This should help you empty what's currently in the trash, but is no guarantee you got everything related to MacKiller off the drive. See Ogelthorpe's link.

I cannot empty my Trash can. I get error code - 8003

I have been trying to empty my Trash Can but I keep getting a message that says that the operation cannot be completed Error Code - 8003.
I did open the trash and found s set of file that were highlited in red. I tryed to remove them from the trash but got the same error message.
Thank you for any help out there.
M

Try https://discussions.apple.com/thread/2138034?start=0&tstart=0
Allan

Error code -8003? Can't empty trash

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for