Secure emptying trash when getting privilges message

Hi folks,
Any help much appreciated.
I decided the other day to use my Iomega Screenplay HD as a backup for my mac. Because it is NSCF (or whatever it is) I knew I'd have to re-format it in Fat32. I copied the contents of the HD to my Mac with the intention of writing it all back once the HD had been formatted.
However when I read up about formatting this HD I discovered that once it had been formatted to Fat32 I would not be able to use the screenplay function any more (it comes in handy). So I decided not to format it and pick up a different HD to use as a backup.
So anyway here's my problem. I copied 48gb of data to the Mac that I no longer want there (as I already have on the screenplay HD). So I moved it to the trash. I then hit the secure empty trash button (Im under the impression this is better as it completely clears valuable space on the mac's HD). However it will not delete. I keep getting the message "The operation cannot be completed because you do not have sufficient priviliges for some of the items".
As I said, I would like to completely delete all these files as they are 48gb and are taking up room I can really do with. From what I can gather holding command and hitting delete will get rid of the files from the trash but they will still be on the computer taking up space.
I've tried googling but am not getting anywhere. If someone can help I'd be much appreciated.
Cheers.

Just emptying the trash does only delete directory paths, but that is all that is required to completely release the disk space. As far as the system is concerned that space is empty and available.
It is theoretically possible, under some conditions, to scan the empty space on a disk and reconstruct files that were once there. The purpose of Secure Empty Trash is to make that impossible by scribbling over the empty space. But if nobody goes to the trouble and expense of scanning for deleted files, then it makes no difference whether empty blocks contain random bit patterns or the remnants of old files. With ordinary Empty Trash, the space is as free and available as it will ever be.

Similar Messages

Secure Empty Trash just gets stuck

Secure Empty Trash doesn't work. it just gets stuck/crashes. Why is this?
10.9.5 mavericks

from Apple docs worked for me. Mine was \\\\\\\.\\\ derived from installing Windows.
If there are several locked files in the Trash, you can unlock them all at the same time at the command line. Follow these steps:
1. Open Terminal. It's located in /Applications/Utilities.  Type: chflags -R nouchg  Note: Type one space (not pictured) after nouchg in the line above, so that it ends in "nouchg ". Do not press Return yet. 
2. Double-click the Trash icon in the Dock to reveal the contents of the Trash. If necessary, arrange the Finder window so that a portion of the Terminal window is still visible.
3. Press the Command-A key combination to select all files in the Trash.
4. Drag the files from the Trash to the Terminal window.  Note: This automatically enters the pathname for each file. This eliminates the need to individually empty multiple Trash directories, particularly when multiple disks or volumes are present. 
5. Press Return. No special text message will be shown indicating that the command was successful.
6. Empty the Trash.
If the Trash does not empty or if you see a message in Terminal that says "usage: chflags [-R [-H | -L | -P]] flags file..." you most likely did not type the text in step 2 as indicated or did not leave a space. Repeat the steps if this happens.

HT1199 when attempting to empty trash i get error code of 8003

when attempting to empty trash i get error message 'the operation cant be completed because of unexpected error occured error code 8003'
thanks!

http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html
27" i7 iMac 10.6.8 , Mac OS X (10.7.3), G4 450 MP 1.5 GB RAM w/(10.5.8/10.4.11/9.2.2)

I clicked on secure empty trash and just lost about 40GB of disk space...

I had something in my trash that wouldnt delete when I clicked Empty Trash because it said it was in use.
I looked up on here on noticed people said just to click on Secure Empty Trash when i did that.
The Secure Empty Trash was starting to freeze up half way so I just clicked on cancel.
I then looked at my Hard Drive space and noticed that I went from 180GB to 140GB.
Can anyone help?

Try this to find your missing space...
OmniDiskSweeper...
http://www.omnigroup.com/applications/omnidisksweeper/download/

Hi guys, an empty folder is stuck in my trash & I get this message: "The Finder can't complete the operation because some data in the folder can't be read or written. (Error code -36). It won't shift no matter how I try to Secure Empty trash. Any ideas?

Hi guys, an empty folder is stuck in my trash & I get this message: "The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in the folder can’t be read or written. (Error code -36). It won't shift no matter how I try to Secure Empty trash. Any ideas?

The Time Machines Backup is formated as Mac OS Extended (Case Sensitive, Journaled), my mac is formated as Mac OS Extended (Journaled).
The names on the file are all Uppercase
When I try to copy the Aperture file, it copies about 70% of the file (it's about 33GB in size), and halfway through I get this error.
I'm able to copy 99.99% of all of the images if I open the Aperture Folder using the "show package contents" under the backups using finder (Time Machine Backups>Backups.backupdb>CQ Macbook Air>2012-04-30-070933>HD.....>Pictures>Aperture Library). The only file I can't copy is that picture, which I'm totally ok with deleting, but Finder won't delete it for me. If nothing else works, I could copy the individual masters and re-create the folders, however I'd hate to do this as I would have to go through 10,000+ pics

How do I override "error code -61" when attempting to put things in the Trash? Cannot empty Trash or use Secure Empty Trash.

How do I override "error code -61" when attempting to put items in the Trash? Cannot empty Trash or use Secure Empty Trash. I have a MacBook OS X 10.5.8

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

TS3694 When emptying trash I get error code -8003. Anyone know what the problem is?

When emptying trash I get error code -8003. When I get this error I am trying to delete downloaded softeare. Typical file deletion works okay.
This is on an iMAC. Don't knwo why I cannot pick an iMAC community below.
Leparker46

http://support.apple.com/kb/TS3297
http://reviews.cnet.com/8301-13727_7-20020873-263.htmll

I have 139 items in my Trash, When I click on secure empty trash to erase them it wants to erase 1309 items. Does anyone know what may be going on?

I have 139 items in my Trash, When I click on secure empty trash to erase them it wants to erase 1309 items. Does anyone know what may be going on?

If your erasing packages or programs, they appear like a file, but are actually folders with more files and folders inside.
For instance right click on your Pictures/iPhoto Library and "show package contents" inside is more files and folders of files.

I just started getting the error message below - when I drag a file to TRASH, I get the message "Finder wants to make changes. Type in your password to allow this. Why ? and how to to stop this request ?

I just started getting the error message below, when I drag a file to TRASH, I get the message "Finder wants to make changes. Type in your password to allow this." Why ? and how to to stop this request ?

There should be nothing native to the OS X which would ask for a password
or other information on a restart, unless accompanied by the traditional login
box with your user name.
There are adware or marginal products that could be called malware (bad)
that would impose their presence and some items that could have been
downloaded by accident or through some corrupted free software site; of
those some could ask for and gain permission to go through your Mac
and maybe even run in the background to do other nefarious misdeeds.
You could see if startup in SafeBoot allows you access past that the Completer.
Since I don't have a pile of helpful article links on how to resolve various issues
I'd be looking them up one way or another.
There are some helpful items in the site http://thesafemac.com - see Tech Guides
listed (adware, malware, & performance) plus a link to the adwaremedic page.
Also, Apple support has a helpful page on how to remove adware and other bits:
•Remove unwanted adware that displays pop-up ads and graphics on your Mac - Apple Support
Hopefully this helps somewhat.
Good luck & happy computing!

HT1526 Secure Empty Trash not working

when I press secure empty trash : the items load up then when I press either of the options (locked or unlocked) it stays on screen for a few seconds then disappears ??

Hello. Thank you for your help. When I follow your directions using the
terminal window I get the following message: unable to execute /bin/rm:
Argument list too long. I have over 100K items in my trash folder. Could
this be the problem?
Edward Frebowitz
615 406 3255
On Tue, Dec 23, 2014 at 9:20 AM, Apple Support Communities Updates <

MacBook Pro: Unable to Empty Trash (secure or otherwise). Have tried all remedies suggested on Apple's site. I think "Secure Empty Trash" bogs at the first file "iPhone4, 1_8.02_12A495_Restore.ipsw" at 1.78 GB size and goes no further.

MacBook Pro: Unable to Empty Trash (secure or otherwise). Have tried all remedies suggested on Apple's site. I think "Secure Empty Trash" bogs at the first file "iPhone4, 1_8.02_12A495_Restore.ipsw" at 1.78 GB size and goes no further. When I try to move it out of Trash to a temporary location so I can empty remainder of Trash, I get the message "Some of the items you are moving are in use by another application. Moving the items can cause problems with the application using them. Are you sure you want to move these items?" at which point I select "Stop" to avoid possible disaster. Can you help? Thanks.

01/05/15 6:01:27.000 pm kernel[0]: Previous shutdown cause: -62
That usually indicates an abnormal shutdown due to a hardware fault. The exact cause can only be determined by Apple, so schedule a Genius Bar Reservation.

Secure Empty Trash & Trash Cache

Am old Mac addict home user with Apple from day one but not a guru. Still have Apple IIE that runs like a clock. With 17 Macs in between, years ago when G3 would slow down, get sluggish and tired, I discovered that setting trash cache and deleting many thousands of cached files would invigorate the machine and restore it's original speed using Preferences in TechTool Pro V 3.
Currently have TTP V4 in both G5 Pro Mac OS 10.5.6 and G5 Power Mac OS 10.4.11. Cleaning out old manuals got rid of TTP V2 and V3 manuals. Still have CDs but unfortunately no serial numbers. So, unable to open those programs. Micromat archives couldn't help. Also, unable to use TTP V4 preferences to set trash cache as there's no Preferences capability. Apparently it can be assumed there's no trash cache in current versions of TTP.
Queried Micromat about trash cache who said to "Go into "System Preferences" --> "TechTool Protection". In the "Volume Usage" tab, you can set how many days you want TechTool Pro to save the "Trash History"." No joy as I couldn't figure out what that meant about "System Preferences" or how to do what they recommended.
No problem as both G5s are operating fine. But, I'm curious.
I use "Secure Empty Trash" exclusively shutting down my G5s. My questions: Does that shut down feature remove all data from the HD thereby eliminating the need for a trash cache? If there's still a trash cache, is there any way to set it? Thank you and regards. Ol' Jim.

Did you get a response to this? There is no solution listed, but it’s marked Solved.
I think you are right that there is no longer a Trash Cache. I did a search and it came up with two files called Trash Cache, both were dated 2002, obviously many systems ago which probably came over with Migration Assistant from previous computers.
The TechTool Protection is new with TTP 5. You won’t see it in System Preferences with TTP 4. That’s probably why you couldn’t figure out what they meant.
Secure Empty Trash writes over those files which makes them nearly impossible to recover, so I don’t think you need to worry about them.

What exactly does "Secure Empty Trash" do?

There's very little technical detail on the web about this. I'd like to understand exactly what secure empty trash does.
What method does it use to overwrite?
How does it deal with temp files?
Why does it take so long?
Why, when there's only one file in the trash, does it always claim it's erasing 9 files?
What other files is it erasing in addition to the visible trash contents?
Can it work across network connections and external drives?
Has the method changed in Leopard?
etc.. etc..
Feel free to get all technical, if you know the answers!
Thanks!

What method does it use to overwrite?
It writes over the files with 0's.
How does it deal with temp files?
Not sure what you mean. It treats any file in the trash the same. Could you elaborate?
Why does it take so long?
Because it has to first write over the item with 0's, then delete the item.
Why, when there's only one file in the trash, does it always claim it's erasing 9 files?
What other files is it erasing in addition to the visible trash contents?
It's a bug.
Can it work across network connections and external drives?
Yes.
Has the method changed in Leopard?
Not that I know of.

Secure empty trash.

I am trying to use 'secure empty trash' but it gets so far and then stops of its own accord. Any suggestions?

Information.
Trash Can’t Empty – Big Files
Trash – Can’t Empty or Move File To Trash
Trash FAQ
Trash – Empty When File is Locked or in Use

Secure Empty Trash reports wrong number of files

Something that's been bugging me since even before OS 10.6: when I use Secure Empty Trash, the progress box always shows exactly 9 more files to be deleted than there are in the Trash (but counts down to 0 normally). Any idea what's up with that? All I can come up with is (a) it's intentional, and 9 fake files are created and then overwritten, as some sort of additional security (in which case, why 9?), or (b) there are 9 files in a .Trashes directory somewhere which cannot be deleted due to some extended attribute (in which case why no error message or notification?).
Has anyone seen this? Ideas?

In addition to your Home/Trash folder, there is a hidden .Trash folder at the top level of your hard drive, and also hidden .Trashes folders on each of your external drives, each containing a subfolder for every user account on your Mac. Even if they are all empty, the hidden folders themselves are all deleted when you Secure Empty, which accounts for the increased number of items that are being reported.

Secure emptying trash when getting privilges message

Similar Messages

Maybe you are looking for