I can't empty the trash, I get this error code (-8003)

How can I force empty the trash, or get around this problem?

Can anyone tell me why I keep getting error -8003 or -36 when I try to copy my Time Machine backups to another drive? Since I was running out of room on my Time Machine drive, I was in the process of deleting all copies of my old Outlook 2011 Identity (using Time Machine, not the Finder), when the process abruptly stopped and the drive was no longer accessible. The only way I can mount the drive is to power it up after booting my system - (I've tried this on two different systems) - then using Disk Utility to attempt a repair on the drive. Disk Utility can't repair the drive and says I need to backup my data, then reformat the drive, which is why I'm trying to copy my backups to another drive. For reference, my Time Machine backups are on one partition of a two partition drive, and the other partition mounts just fine.

Similar Messages

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    Hey,
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    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

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  • I get an error code -8003 when I try to empty the trash

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    cannot
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    Did any of the threads that appear in the "More Like This" section to the right help you?
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  • I'm getting an error code -8003 when I try to empty my trash.

    I recently emptied several old backup files from an external hard drive to the trash folder.  Now when I attempt to empty the trash, I get this message: "The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occurred (error code -8003).  What should I do?  I just took the computer and external hard drive to an apple store for genius support a few days ago and the tech fixed a few things.  He advised me to empty the backup files, which is what I'm trying to do.

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    From the X LAB.       Solving Trash Problems     
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    http://pondini.org/TM/E6.html
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  • HT1526 I can't delete any files, can't empty the trash bin, can't open my iTunes. Safari isn't working properly either. I keep getting the error message -50 when i try to delete anything...HELP!

    I can't delete any files, can't empty the trash bin, can't open my iTunes. Safari isn't working properly either. I keep getting the error message -50 when i try to delete anything...HELP!

    Hello, not too helpful, but...
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      paramErr                      = -50,  /*error in user parameter list*/
    Usually means a bvad or unacceptable Charachter in a File or Folder name...
    http://support.apple.com/kb/TA20831
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  • 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
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  • 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

  • HT3777 I can't empty the trash. I get "error code -8003"

    I tried to get rid of old backup files in an external drive in order to make more room oln that disc by moving them to the trash. Now I cannot empty the trash.

    You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash

  • 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.

  • Since updating to Mac OS X 10.8.2 I can't empty the Trash

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  • I'm getting an error code -8003 when I try to empty the trash.

    My computer has just been switched on after shutdown overnight so hasn't crashed, I'm wondering if there's any reason for this.

    See this general resume of trash problems.
    I suspect you've been trying to remove some of your Time Machine back ups.   Not a good idea without doing the necessary research first.  Read about ways to solve Trash problems.
    From the X LAB.       Solving Trash Problems     
    Then, for clearing stubborn trash.                Download Trash It! for Mac
    In particular related to Time Machine.       Time Machine - Troubleshooting
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    Can't empty the trash after deleting backups via the Finder

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