Trying to delete Office for Mac and getting this message: The operation can't be completed because the item "com.microsoft.DocumentConnection.plist" is in use.

I am trying to remove Office for Mac from my Macbook Air. I've deleted the files and moved to Trash, but can not empty Trash. This message continues to display when I attempt to empty Trash and thereby delete all Microsoft plist files...

You can't delete Office simply by throwing the app in the trash.
Here are the instructions for removing it, follow them exactly.

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The operation can't be completed because some items had to be skipped. For each item, choose File Get Info, make sure "Locked" is deselected, and then check t

The following error comes up when I try to install the updated Firefox:
"The operation can’t be completed because some items had to be skipped. For each item, choose File > Get Info, make sure “Locked” is deselected, and then check the Sharing & Permissions section. When you are sure the items are unlocked and not designated as Read Only or No Access, try again."
When I follow the instructions in the error message, it shows that my user name has read and write access. There are a couple other items that are read only. I tried to change this to read and write, but the Sharing and Permissions options are greyed out and will not let me change them. What is the work around for this? I would really like to install the new firefox.
Thanks.

Hello,
Certain Firefox problems can be solved by performing a ''Clean reinstall''. This means you remove Firefox program files and then reinstall Firefox. Please follow these steps:
'''Note:''' You might want to print these steps or view them in another browser.
#Download the latest Desktop version of Firefox from http://www.mozilla.org and save the setup file to your computer.
#After the download finishes, close all Firefox windows (click Exit from the Firefox or File menu).
#Delete the Firefox installation folder, which is located in one of these locations, by default('''This will NOT delete profile info such as bookmarks and history'''):
#*'''Windows:'''
#**C:\Program Files\Mozilla Firefox
#**C:\Program Files (x86)\Mozilla Firefox
#*'''Mac:''' Delete Firefox from the Applications folder.
#*'''Linux:''' If you installed Firefox with the distro-based package manager, you should use the same way to uninstall it - see [[Installing Firefox on Linux]]. If you downloaded and installed the binary package from the [http://www.mozilla.org/firefox#desktop Firefox download page], simply remove the folder ''firefox'' in your home directory.
#Now, go ahead and reinstall Firefox:
##Double-click the downloaded installation file and go through the steps of the installation wizard.
##Once the wizard is finished, choose to directly open Firefox after clicking the Finish button.
Please report back to see if this helped you!
Thank you.

Trying to delete file from trash but get this: The operation can't be completed because the item "File name" is in use. All other files delete except this one. Please help

Trying to delete file from trash but get this: The operation can’t be completed because the item “File name” is in use. All other files delete except this one. Please help

Maybe some help here:
http://osxdaily.com/2012/07/19/force-empty-trash-in-mac-os-x-when-file-is-locked -or-in-use//

Trying to upgrade to FireFox 4 and getting this error: The operation can't be completed because the item "libsoftokn3.dylib" is in use.

I am using a new MacBook Pro. I click on the "Download FireFox 4.0" button. The file(s) download and the dialog appears to drag FireFox icon into the Applications folder.
I get a dialog that says "There is a previous version.. Ok to replace?" I click "Replace".
Then I get a Copy dialog that says: "The operation can’t be completed because the item “libsoftokn3.dylib” is in use."
The software is not updated and I am still on FireFox 3. I tried rebooting and doing it again - I get the same results. I also did a web search and was not able to find a solution to this error.

I had success by:
1- Quit Firefox
2- Go to the Applications folder and drag Firefox to the desktop
3- Install Firefox 5 (it installs successfully at this point)
4- Put old Firefox in the trash
5- Secure empty trash
It may be possible to just drag Firefox directly to the trash and use regular Empty Trash, but I did not try that. Some people on the net reported that they could not empty the trash after putting the old Firefox in the trash (got the same "libsoftokn3.dylib is in use" error), so I just tried Secure Empty Trash, which may be no different from a regular empty trash as far as this goes; not sure as I'm a bit new to the Mac.

Firefox is unable to update to 7.0.1. I get an error that The operation can't be completed because the item "libsmime3.dylib" is in use. I found this is a Cisco folder, tried to trash it, but it won't leave. Maybe I need it?

The operation can’t be completed because the item “libsmime3.dylib” is in use.
This is the error message I get when i try to install the 7.0.1 update. I found a cisco folder on my MAC and tried to Trash it. It won't leave. Maybe I need it... Some of it did Trash, but what ever is left continues to prevent 7.0.1 from installing.

OK I looked at an old Apple forum and someone suggested Trash then Restart then Empty Trash, and it worked. Cisco is gone, Opt is gone, and I was able to load FireFox. I had to give admin passwords to do this too. Why an old weird game or library folder could cause such obstacles is a wonder. But I'd rather wonder about other things...

Cannot backup my files / copy my files and folders due to error message " The operation can't be completed because an item with the name ".DS_Store" already exists. "

Hi Apple community!
I have a [rather worrying] problem.
When I try to copy all my files from my documents on my mac [or the entire documents folder] into an external drive, I get this error message
" The operation can’t be completed because an item with the name “.DS_Store” already exists. "
I am not given an option to skip this file or anything else.
But I simply cannot complete the operation!
I have tried deleting a few of the .ds_store files, [both in the original and in the destinations]
but no success.
The same thing keeps happening.
At first, this was just happening when I was trying to backup to my dropbox folder [the one on my mac's harddrive, which gets synced to the cloud],
but then I tried to back up my documents to my external hard drive, and I realized it is giving me the same error message.
So effectively, it seems I cannot backup my files anywhere!
Any help or advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you.

Please read this whole message before doing anything.
This procedure is a diagnostic test. It’s unlikely to solve your problem. Don’t be disappointed when you find that nothing has changed after you complete it.
The purpose of the test is to determine whether the problem is caused by third-party software that loads automatically at startup or login, by a peripheral device, or by corruption of certain system caches.
Disconnect all wired peripherals except those needed for the test, and remove all aftermarket expansion cards. Boot in safe mode and log in to the account with the problem. Note: If FileVault is enabled on some models, or if a firmware password is set, or if the boot volume is a software RAID, you can’t do this. Ask for further instructions.
Safe mode is much slower to boot and run than normal, and some things won’t work at all, including sound output and Wi-Fi on certain iMacs. The next normal boot may also be somewhat slow.
The login screen appears even if you usually log in automatically. You must know your login password in order to log in. If you’ve forgotten the password, you will need to reset it before you begin. Test while in safe mode. Same problem? After testing, reboot as usual (i.e., not in safe mode) and verify that you still have the problem. Post the results of the test.

Cannot delete file: The operation can't be completed because the item "DataReferences" is in use.

I have a My Book TB Drive where all of my Time Machine backups go to. I decided to delete some older version of backups. They ended up in my trash can. When I deleted the items in my trash can, all of them erased with the exception of one file. This file refuses to go! I have tried "Empty Trash", "Secure Empty Trash" and holding the Option Key + "Secure Empty Trash". Each time the I get the following error: The operation can’t be completed because the item “DataReferences” is in use.
If I unplug the My Book TB Drvie, the file dissapears from the trash can. If I plug it back in, it reappears.
I am not sure what to do anymore. Any suggestions?
Thanks!
MacMini
Mountain Lion (Error originated in OS X)
My Book TB (External Hard Drive)

I found an article on how to allow third party apps. Posted it below just in case if anyone is interested.
http://www.computeraudiophile.com/f11-software/your-security-preferences-allow-i nstallation-only-apps-mac-app-store-and-identified-developers-12789/
Anyhow, I was able to do the double click on the trash it.I tried the "fast" version and the "really stuck" version and unfortunately, none of the options worked.
Any other suggestions?

The operation can't be completed because the original item for " your drive name here " can't be found

Hey all,
I hope someone can help. I am running 10.7.5 OSX currently on my Mac Book Pro. I recently got a new Windows 8 desktop. A ceap one running Windows 8. I currently have 5 drives shared over my home network. 3 are working just fine (the 3 I just put on the network today). The other 2, however, were previously on my old Windows Vista computer also shared over my network. My Mac Book Pro had access just fine (I set up sharing on my vista comp) and everything ran smooth. Today when I hooked up my new Windows 8 computer and put the 5 drives on and shared them via my network, same way as I done before, 3 are working fine but the two original drives give me an error when I try and access them from my Mac over my home network. They both show up with the correct names but when I try and access them it tells me:
The operation can’t be completed because the original item for “M&V” can’t be found.
M&V is the name of one of the drives. Here is the trouble shooting I have done:
- Renamed the drives multiple times
- Tripple checked my permissions
- Checked for updates and installed both on my PC and Mac
- Restarted my PC and Mac
- Tried Both of my dual frequencies on my netowork
- Tried hooking up with ethernet cable
- Changed the user name and password for my shared access on my PC multiple times and put in the correct info on my Mac
- Tried taking away all passwords (unsecured)
- My other Windows PS's can access all drives just fine
But still I get the above error. I have isolated it to an issue with my Mac. I was thinking maybe if there is a way to have my Mac forget the shared drives and I can re-add them and put in my password, I am not sure if that is even possible. I am at al loss on what to do. Any help you can give would be greatly appreciated.

I am having the same exact issue and I've been busting my testi-balls to figure it out. I've got 15 years experience in the computer game and still can't figure it out. I see a lot of people having similiar issues, but no one seems to have an answer for MY issue, which is virtually the same as the OP.
Brand new Macbook Retina.
Windows 7 x64 Machine.
ALL drives shared with ALL permissions of ALL accounts manually inserted on the Windows 7 side.
ALL other PC's in the house can access the drives on the Windows 7 machine without issue.
Only the Macbook Retina has the problem connecting. Every Windows drive I shared is visible under "network" in finder, but when I click on any of them it gives the quoted error message the OP stated.
PLEASE, if anyone finds a fix for this, let us know!

The operation can't be completed because the original item for "EXTERNAL" can't be found.

After upgrading to Mountain Lion I can no longer access my exFat formatted USB drive that is connected to my iMac from my MBP. I can connect to the iMac, but when I try to mount the USB drive I get an error message saying "The operation can't be completed because the original item for "EXTERNAL" can't be found."
I have enabled only 'SMB' in sharing preference on all of my machines, and all are running Mountain Lion.
*I have since tried connecting directly with the IP address, same result, and also reformatting the USB drive to just FAT32, same issue. I need the drive formatted in a windows format so my home theatre system can connect to it.
Message was edited by: davea3323

Update, So I disassembled the external hard drive case and pulled the bare drive out and connected the drive directly to my motherboard and without change any settings on the PC, the MacBook can now access it over the network. What is it about externals that the Mac can't access them over networks?

"The operation can't be completed because the disk is full" when trying to compress files

Trying to compress my files because my computer keeps saying that my startup disk is almost full. However, when I try to compress my files, I get an error that reads "The operation can't be completed because the disk is full." Does anyone know why this is happening? Any help would be much appreciated! Thanks

Yes. You are trying to create more files taking up more space on the computer. Compressing files only reduces disk space used after you remove the uncompressed file.
Freeing Up Space on The Hard Drive
1. See Lion/Mountain Lion's Storage Display.
2. You can remove data from your Home folder except for the /Home/Library/ folder.
3. Visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on freeing up space on your hard drive.
4. Also see Freeing space on your Mac OS X startup disk.
5. See Where did my Disk Space go?.
6. See The Storage Display.
You must Empty the Trash in order to recover the space they occupied on the hard drive.
You should consider replacing the drive with a larger one. Check out OWC for drives, tutorials, and toolkits.
Try using OmniDiskSweeper 1.8 or GrandPerspective to search your drive for large files and where they are located.

Data folder can not be opened in finding " AirPort Time Capsule " The operation can not be completed because the original item for " data" does not exist .

Hi
I have a " AirPort Time Capsule " (firmware 7.7.3) When I try to open the data folder in "finder". Then I got the message " The operation can not be completed because the original item for " data" does not exist". I have a lot of data and I can understand why I get this message?
Anyone who can help? Thanks..
Br. Bo

Get a USB drive of 2TB or more.. assuming your TC is 2TB. Either preformatted Mac or plug into your Mac and format it standard Mac OS Extended Journaled in disk utility.
Do a full archive of the TC. You do this using airport utility. Do not click the erase disk.. I marked in green.. just the archive.. that is to backup the internal disk to the USB disk. It is not fast.. take it that the process will go at around 40-50GB/hr.
Once you complete the archive .. it is a direct image of the data on your TC.. you can then plug it into your computer directly.. and then try and open the files you lost.. if you cannot open them.. open disk utility and fix the permissions.
http://osxdaily.com/2015/01/13/repair-disk-permissions-mac-os-x/
Or try the methods apple recommends..
OS X Yosemite: Set permissions for items on your Mac
It is possible to fix things on the USB drive because it is locally mounted.. but you cannot fix it on TC which is network drive.

Can't copy Aperature Library to external. Get this error "The operation can't be completed because an item is being modified."

I have been trying to find a solution to this problem by browsing this forum but I can't seem to find a solution.
As many others have decided to do I want to copy my Aperature library to an external FW 800 drive as my laptop space is dwindling. It seems all you need to do is copy the Library from the finder which can also be revealed in the preference if Aperature. When copying it seems to transfer for a few seconds but then I get this error "The operation can’t be completed because an item is being modified." I have formatted the drive correctly and there is no issues with Aperature itself so why do you think I am having this error? What can I do to copy this Library to my external?

Reboot your machine make sure Aperture doesn't start (as Lion is liable to do) and try it.

My remote cd says: The operation can't be completed because the original item for "Audio CD" can't be found.

I'm trying to access a cd (book) from my macbook air 10.7.8
using another macbook on the same network
In my System Pre. I don't see 'sharing cd or dvd'
when I tried to download the software it said
that I already have a newer version.
I see the remote cd on my finder but when I click on the cd it says:
"The operation can’t be completed because the original item for “Audio CD” can’t be found.

Hi,
I've started to get this problem too. The only place I can't create a folder is on the desktop - other folders/locations are fine.
When I do "new folder' it first asks for the password and then fails with the "you do not have the necessary permission" message. I'm using the only user account that has been created on the Macbook Pro since it was installed. It is defined as an Admin account.
I've tried reseting the Permissions and ACL using the Terminal program after interupting a re-boot. That didn't have any affect though. I also tried changing the privileges by right clicking on the desktop and going in via Get Info...again. either I'm doing it wrong, or its not working.
Apols if this is an easy Question - the Macbook is for my son and I'm an OSX numpty (having used Windows more ;-)
Thanks in advance.

The operation can't be completed because the original item for "media" can't be found

Yosemite recognizes my BlackBerry Z30 on my Network. I see my Media Folder and my Removable_Sdcard.
Whenever I try to access them I get this message:
The operation can’t be completed because the original item for “media” can’t be found.
Any Ideas?
Thanks

I am having the same exact issue and I've been busting my testi-balls to figure it out. I've got 15 years experience in the computer game and still can't figure it out. I see a lot of people having similiar issues, but no one seems to have an answer for MY issue, which is virtually the same as the OP.
Brand new Macbook Retina.
Windows 7 x64 Machine.
ALL drives shared with ALL permissions of ALL accounts manually inserted on the Windows 7 side.
ALL other PC's in the house can access the drives on the Windows 7 machine without issue.
Only the Macbook Retina has the problem connecting. Every Windows drive I shared is visible under "network" in finder, but when I click on any of them it gives the quoted error message the OP stated.
PLEASE, if anyone finds a fix for this, let us know!

Everytime I try to export my slideshow I get the "The operation can't be completed because the item can't be found." message. How do I fix?

Trying to export a pretty basic slideshow to our desktop/iTunes and I keep getting the "The operation can’t be completed because the item can’t be found." message when I try to export. What am I doing wrong?

What is your iPhoto version?
Your slideshow may contain a photo or a video where the original file cannot be found. Try to find the offending item.
You could duplicate the slideshow (select it in the source list, ctrl-click, and the select "Duplicate").
Then remove half of the photos from the copy and try to export this partial slideshow. if it works, you will know, the problematic photo or video is in the other half.
Keep duplicating the slideshow, removing photos from the copy and testing with smaller sets of photos, until you know exactly, which photo it is.
Then select this photo and use the command "File > Reveal Original" to see, if the original file is still there.
Check the revealed original, if Preview can display it. If the file is o.k., copy it and remport it. Add the new imported photo or video to your slideshow.
If the original file should really be missing, restore it from your backup.

Trying to delete Office for Mac and getting this message: The operation can't be completed because the item "com.microsoft.DocumentConnection.plist" is in use.

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