How to delete hidden files?

I am trying to delete two hidden files and have copied the given prompts exactly into Terminal and all I get is files not shown.

Files have permissions associated with them and if they are not yours, then you can't delete them without elevating your permissions level to do so.
System files are hidden and have special permissions for a reason, so you don't tamper with then and wind up messing up your machine.
Some files, even if deleted, are immediately rebuilt if a system process or program needs it, some are regenerated upon launching or rebooting the machine.
Some files deleted cant' be recovered at all and may cause the machine not to boot the next time.
LVNV1989 wrote:
I am trying to delete two hidden files and have copied the given prompts exactly into Terminal and all I get is files not shown.
The files may not exist at the path given, you entered it wrong, the instructions might be for another operating system or version of OS X and the files are no longer there.
What exactly are you trying to do?, what operating system and what hidden files are you trying to delete?
We can correct your perhaps misguided advice, or find a easier solution to your problem or tell you it won't work and why.
but we need to know more please.
If you don't want to tell us, then install the free TinkerTool and enable invisible files and you might be able to delete them manually, however if they are system/root files then your going to need to enter the Admin password for a "sudo" window of root power level destruction. At your own peril! Backup your data now before it's too late.
Good Luck

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I read posts on delete but am concerned I'll mess something up - I have never used Terminal and am hoping there's an easier way.
I recently switched from Windows to Mac for my development computer.
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HI red4vr,
welcome to the forums.
http://osxdaily.com/2009/02/25/show-hidden-files-in-os-x/ explains how to hide/show hidden files in the finder. As well as how to list hidden files in the terminal, and in the save/open dialog box. There are lots of hidden files on the computer that you should under no circumstance try to delete. A good rule of thumb is if you didn't make the folder, or what's in the folder; don't delete it. don't rename it, don't move it.
If this is some thing you want to do on a regular basis you may want to use a program like 'blind." http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/22495/blind this program adds a tool bar button to hide/show hidden files.
You are correct about the trash can, it shows every thing (not counting hidden files) in the trash for all the drives connected. If you want to tell what is on a specific external volume. You can goto that trash folder.
ie: finder, menu bar, go menu, goto folder, /volumes/NameOfVolume/.Trash
Have a great new year

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If it is a system file and even if the file is corrupted, it cannot be deleted.
Try reinstalling phone software using Nokia suite if the phone supports Nokia suite and an USB port.
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hi there
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Hi,
Check this link.
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http://examples.oreilly.com/jenut/Delete.java
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Developer Technical Support
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http://sun.com/developers/support

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i have searched for days on my computer for some hint a program or option that allows me to view any hidden files in an application folder, but it has yet eluded me.
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