Unable to empty trash from external harddrive

hi all, do help me
I can't seem to empty the trash from my external harddrive completely, those files persistently remains there!

Before resorting to the extreme measure that the previous poster has suggested, tell us what happens when you empty the trash. Is there any error message, and if so, what does it say?
Have you tried quitting all open applications and then emptying the Trash?
Have you tried restarting the computer and then emptying the Trash?
Have you opened Disk Utility, selected the external drive, clicked Repair Disk, allowed that process to finish, quit Disk Utility, and tried emptying the Trash?
Is the external drive shared?

Similar Messages

  • Empty Trash from External HD -do not have sufficient privileges

    Hi everyone,
    I have tried everything to try and empty trash by deleting a folder with subfolders from my external HD on my mac but nothing works. The external HD was previously used with MS WIndows software. I have tryed the following:
    1. 'secure empty trash' holding down option key - Didn't work
    2. 'Get info' on file - file is not locked and has 'read n write' privileges
    3. try entering commands in terminal program.
    a.sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash This didn't work
    b.sudo rm -R ~/.Trash/* This didn't work
    c.sudo rm -R to include dragging the file into terminal and didn't work.
    One of my main worries at present is that based on the following instructions from this website:http://godlikenerd.com/osxforumfaq/index.php?sid=1089715&lang=en&action=artikel& cat=2&id=2&artlang=en
    In the 'Deleting a stubborn file' section
    I entered in the following command 'sudo rm -R ' but by accident hit the return key before following the rest of instructions and the following appeared in terminal window:
    rm [-f | -i] [-dPRrvW] file ...
    unlink file
    Does anyone know what this means? Have I done something real bad? I am aware of the dangers of 'sudo rm' and especially 'sudo rm -rf'.
    I followed the instructions properly the next time but this command did not work either.
    And also can anyone help me to remove the stubborn file which is on my external HD via my MAC? I had a look for the same file on windows PC and its not there?
    Many thanks!

    N.E.T. wrote:
    a.sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash This didn't work
    b.sudo rm -R ~/.Trash/* This didn't work
    c.sudo rm -R to include dragging the file into terminal and didn't work.
    With those commands you deleted your user Trash (folder) not the external volume Trash.
    Usually when you attach an external volume, the system mounts it under the /Volumes folder.
    So, let's say that your external volume is labeled "ExternalHD", you'll find the corresponding Trash with this path
    /Volumes/ExternaHD/.Trashes
    To look at the contents of ExternalHD via Terminal including hidden files and subfolders, at the prompt type
    ls -laR /Volumes/ExternalHD
    I entered in the following command 'sudo rm -R ' but by accident hit the return key before following the rest of instructions and the following appeared in terminal window:
    rm [-f | -i] [-dPRrvW] file ...
    unlink file
    Does anyone know what this means? Have I done something real bad? I am aware of the dangers of 'sudo rm' and especially 'sudo rm -rf'.
    The message simply means that the syntax command is incorrect and gives you suggestion on how to input it the right way.

  • I am getting disc full messages on my Mac, unable to empty trash because not enough space, how do I proceed or do I need to increase my 4gig of memory

    I am getting disc full messages on my Mac, unable to empty trash because not enough space, how do I proceed or do I need to increase my 4gig of memory in which case how do I go about this process.

    You are confusing RAM (Random Access Memory) with hard drive data storage space.
    Your hard drive storage is getting too full if you can't empty your Mac's main trash.
    Here are some general tips to keep your Mac's hard drive trim and slim as possible
    You should never, EVER let a conputer hard drive get completely full, EVER
    With Macs and OS X, you shouldn't let the hard drive get below 15 GBs or less of free data space.
    If it does, it's time for some hard drive housecleaning.
    Follow some of my tips for cleaning out, deleting and archiving data from your Mac's internal hard drive.
    Have you emptied your Mac's Trash icon in the Dock?
    ( as you mentioned, you can't empty this as your hard drive is too full.)
    If you use iPhoto, iPhoto has its own trash that needs to be emptied, also.
    If you store images in other locations other than iPhoto, then you will have to weed through these to determine what to archive and what to delete.
    If you use Apple Mail app, Apple Mail also has its own trash area that needs to be emptied, too!
    Delete any old or no longer needed emails and/or archive to disc, flash drives or external hard drive, older emails you want to save.
    Look through your other Mailboxes and other Mail categories to see If there is other mail you can archive and/or delete.
    STAY AWAY FROM DELETING ANY FILES FROM OS X SYSTEM FOLDER!
    Look through your Documents folder and delete any type of old useless type files like "Read Me" type files.
    Again, archive to disc, flash drives, ext. hard drives or delete any old documents you no longer use or immediately need.
    Look in your Applications folder, if you have applications you haven't used in a long time, if the app doesn't have a dedicated uninstaller, then you can simply drag it into the OS X Trash icon. IF the application has an uninstaller app, then use it to completely delete the app from your Mac.
    To find other large files, download an app called Omni Disk Sweeper.
    Download an app called OnyX for your version of OS X.
    When you install and launch it, let it do its initial automatic tests, then go to the cleaning and maintenance tabs and run the maintenance tabs that let OnyX clean out all web browser cache files, web browser histories, system cache files, delete old error log files.
    Typically, iTunes and iPhoto libraries are the biggest users of HD space.
    move these files/data off of your internal drive to the external hard drive and deleted off of the internal hard drive.
    If you have any other large folders of personal data or projects, these should be archived or moved, also, to the optical discs, flash drives or external hard drive and then either archived to disc and/or deleted off your internal hard drive.
    Good Luck!

  • Unable to empty trash getting constant faultcode -8003

    After dragging some Backup Files from my My Book External Harddisk to the trash I tried many times to empty the trash but I am constantly unable to do so in order of faultcode -8003.
    Who can help me to fix this problem?

    unable to empty trash error code 8003: Apple Support Communities

  • Yosemite is awful- unable to empty trash, volume options are haywire, error codes on file management, and files won't replace when moved. What are my options at this point?

    Like the topic - "Yosemite is awful- unable to empty trash, volume options are haywire, error codes on file management, and files won't replace when moved. What are my options at this point?"
    I installed this OS, and it looks nice, but it's terrible to use. I randomly have the volume controls get disabled, and sometimes the volume menu in the system tray does nothing when adjusted which I've never seen in an OS before. The trash won't empty. When I try to drag and drop newer files over existing ones, nothing happens. The old ones just stay there. I have to delete the old ones and then move the new ones. And when I go into the protected files to manage audio plugins (I make music), the first thing I hit are error codes galore, and password prompts that either don't popup when they should, or don't execute the command after I provide my password.
    What can I do now that I installed the flames of **** onto my computer?

    Back up all data before proceeding.
    This procedure will unlock all your user files (not system files) and reset their ownership, permissions, and access controls to the default. If you've intentionally set special values for those attributes on any of your files, they will be reverted. In that case, either stop here, or be prepared to recreate the settings if necessary. Do so only after verifying that those settings didn't cause the problem. If none of this is meaningful to you, you don't need to worry about it, but you do need to follow the instructions below.
    Step 1
    If you have more than one user, and the one in question is not an administrator, then go to Step 2.
    Triple-click anywhere in the following line on this page to select it:
    sudo find ~ $TMPDIR.. -exec chflags -h nouchg,nouappnd,noschg,nosappnd {} + -exec chown -h $UID {} + -exec chmod +rw {} + -exec chmod -h -N {} + -type d -exec chmod -h +x {} + 2>&-
    Copy the selected text to the Clipboard by pressing the key combination command-C.
    Launch the built-in Terminal application in any of the following ways:
    ☞ Enter the first few letters of its name into a Spotlight search. Select it in the results (it should be at the top.)
    ☞ In the Finder, select Go ▹ Utilities from the menu bar, or press the key combination shift-command-U. The application is in the folder that opens.
    ☞ Open LaunchPad. Click Utilities, then Terminal in the icon grid.
    Paste into the Terminal window by pressing command-V. I've tested these instructions only with the Safari web browser. If you use another browser, you may have to press the return key after pasting.
    You'll be prompted for your login password, which won't be displayed when you type it. Type carefully and then press return. You may get a one-time warning to be careful. If you don’t have a login password, you’ll need to set one before you can run the command. If you see a message that your username "is not in the sudoers file," then you're not logged in as an administrator.
    The command may take several minutes to run, depending on how many files you have. Wait for a new line ending in a dollar sign ($) to appear, then quit Terminal.
    Step 2 (optional)
    Take this step only if you have trouble with Step 1, if you prefer not to take it, or if it doesn't solve the problem.
    Start up in Recovery mode. When the OS X Utilities screen appears, select
              Utilities ▹ Terminal
    from the menu bar. A Terminal window will open. In that window, type this:
    resetp
    Press the tab key. The partial command you typed will automatically be completed to this:
    resetpassword
    Press return. A Reset Password window will open. You’re not going to reset a password.
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  • Unable to empty trash error code 8003 appears ?

    Unable to empty trash error code 8003 appears ?

    I had the same problem - tried all sorts but nothing worked. Eventually I used a tool called Trash It! which did the job (though apparently it is only to be used as a last resort).
    http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/8214/trash-it! Emptied the Trash and no problems since.
    Cheers
    J

  • Unable to empty trash error code 8003

    Unable to empty trash  error code 8003
    MacBook Pro
    OSX 10.6.7
    4GB RAM

    I had the same problem - tried all sorts but nothing worked. Eventually I used a tool called Trash It! which did the job (though apparently it is only to be used as a last resort).
    http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/8214/trash-it! Emptied the Trash and no problems since.
    Cheers
    J

  • I am unable to empty trash error 8003

    I am unable to empty trash.  I get an error 8003 message.  What do I do? 

    HI, this thread offers a solution:
    https://discussions.apple.com/message/15031360#15031360 (paid for app)
    or
    this thread: https://discussions.apple.com/message/11620698#11620698
    http://www.titanium.free.fr/download.php?sid=3092b5fa238323a3658fab8a16db71ee
    (free app - be sure to download the correct version for your OS)

  • Have been unable to empty trash for the last 24hours, says it is being used by another task, how do I clear it. Thanks for any help.

    Have been unable to empty trash for the last 24hours, says it is being used by another task, how do I clear it. Thanks for any help.

    Generally when you get the resource in use error logging out or rebooting will take care of it. When a file just absolutely refuses to delete try restarting in Safe Mode (hold the left shift key after the computer restarts) and then empty the trash.

  • 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.

  • Unable to "empty trash" after update

    After my last my last update I no longer had the option to "empty trash" from my emails.  Is there any way to empty the whole trash file at once to save the time and effort of tossing them out one at a time?
    Post relates to: HP TouchPad (WiFi)

    HP is aware of the issue folks.  I'm confident this may be rectified in another update.
    WyreNut 
    I am a Volunteer here, not employed by HP.
    You too can become an HP Expert! Details HERE!
    If my post has helped you, click the Kudos Thumbs up!
    If it solved your issue, Click the "Accept as Solution" button so others can benefit from the question you asked!

  • Emptying trash from iPad ios7?

    How can I empty trash from my mail account?

    Navigate to the Trash folder on the account, tap the Edit button at the top right of the list of emails, and you should then get a 'Delete All' button at the bottom right of that panel.

  • Unable to empty trash with data from Time Machine Drive

    Hi there,
    Cause of the current issue:
    I am hoping the experts can help me with this one. I have an external hard drive which is used for my Time Machine Backups. Recently there has been an error on the backup to this drive on occasion. This error only occurs when the system does the back up, and appears only periodically, never when I do the back up manually. One of the threads I read to solve this issue is to delete some older backup files from your time machine drive, and all is good. This worked for awhile.... but now a new problem:
    New Problem:
    I have been able to empty all of the trash save one particular set of folders. So the trash always appears with content.
    The structure of the trash content appears as such...
    Macintosh HD
    +-Users
    +--<username>
    +---Library
    +----FK6T0KGc9y4KBB <-- This changes each time I try to empty the trash.
    The library folder always has the time/date of the last time I tried to empty the trash.
    What I have tried:
    1. I have tried to empty the trash Securely. No good.
    2. I have tried the terminal command : sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash with no success
    3. I have tried this terminal command : sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/* with no success
    4. I have tried just plain old Empty Trash. But I get the message "This operation cannot be completed because the item 'FK6T0KGc9y4KBB' is in use.
    Any thoughts, recommendations?

    Hey thanks for the help anyway VK.
    I tried that command and no go either.
    Last login: Fri Jul 25 08:13:39 on console
    iMac:~ tmlohnes$ sudo rm -rf /Volumes/Time\ Machine\ Backups/.Trashes/501/*
    Password:
    rm: /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/.Trashes/501/2008-03-28-160634/Macintosh HD/Users/tmlohnes/Library/8xMlmPGUHzilET: Directory not empty
    rm: /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/.Trashes/501/2008-03-28-160634/Macintosh HD/Users/tmlohnes/Library: Directory not empty
    rm: /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/.Trashes/501/2008-03-28-160634/Macintosh HD/Users/tmlohnes: Directory not empty
    rm: /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/.Trashes/501/2008-03-28-160634/Macintosh HD/Users: Directory not empty
    rm: /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/.Trashes/501/2008-03-28-160634/Macintosh HD: Directory not empty
    rm: /Volumes/Time Machine Backups/.Trashes/501/2008-03-28-160634: Directory not empty
    iMac:~ tmlohnes$
    I am wondering, would it make sense to try this same command if I were to do a safe boot?
    What about formatting the external hard drive and starting fresh?

  • Unable to empty trash due to external USB HDD's locked files and no permission?

    Hello.
    I was doing a major cleanup with an external Seagate USB HDD due to low free disk spaces. It has two partitions/drives: FAT32 (using it for on other non-Apple machines like Windows 2000 SP4) and HFS [Time Machine only]). I threw about 30,000 items (copied from an old Windows 2000 SP4 machine's HDD with NTFS back a few years ago) from FAT32 partition/drive into the trash can. However, I am having problems emptying it. Most of them were emptied, but some were left behind.
    This four years old MacBook Pro's Mac OS X 10.5.8's Trash dialog boxes said "The operation cannot be completed because you do not have sufficient privileges for some of the items." and "Emptying the Trash cannot be completed because "<filename>" is locked. To empty everything in the Trash, including locked items, press the Options key while selecting Empty Trash". http://i.imgur.com/XFBfF.gif for the screen shots/captures of the error messages.
    I tried holding Option key and emptying trash, but that didn't help/work. I used Finder to look at the files, and they had locked status. So I unlocked them which worked, but I can't delete the empty folders/directories, and these don't have locked.
    What's going on and how do I empty the trash? Thank you in advance.

    BDAqua wrote:
    Hi again, are there maybe hidden files in those folders?
    Show Hidden Files 1.0...
    http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/29096/show-hidden-files
    Hidden Way is a toggle for hidden files view in Finder...
    http://www.macupdate.com/app/mac/25716/hidden-way
    Show hidden files in OSX Finder
    Open the Terminal and type or copy/paste:
    defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool true
    Reverting to the default of NOT showing hidden files:
    defaults write com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles -bool false
    *Restart or Force Quit Finder required to take effect.*
    http://www.apple.com/downloads/dashboard/developer/hiddenfiles.html
    http://www.burobjorn.nl/blog/?p=96
    Finder Force Quit, or restart required to take effect.
    Not that I saw through Terminal's ls -all and Windows XP Pro. SP3 machine. Someone told me to try secured empty trash and it did more, but not fully.
    I used the administrator (sudo) account in Mac OS X 10.5.8's Terminal to delete the trash, but it still failed: 
    $ sudo rm -rf *
    Password:
    rm: 501/2010/07252010/My Documents/My Pictures: Operation not permitted
    rm: 501/2010/07252010/My Documents: Directory not empty
    rm: 501/2010/07252010: Directory not empty
    rm: 501/2010/01162010and05042010/My Documents/My Pictures: Operation not permitted
    rm: 501/2010/01162010and05042010/My Documents: Directory not empty
    rm: 501/2010/01162010and05042010/Favorites: Operation not permitted
    rm: 501/2010/01162010and05042010: Directory not empty
    rm: 501/2010: Directory not empty
    rm: 501/06182011/My Documents/My Pictures: Operation not permitted
    rm: 501/06182011/My Documents: Directory not empty
    rm: 501/06182011/Favorites: Operation not permitted
    rm: 501/06182011: Directory not empty
    rm: 501: Directory not empty
    I tried deleting this on an old, updated Windows XP Pro. SP3 machine and it had no problems! Weird. I wonder why Mac OS X 10.5.8 failed to delete it through its Finder and Terminal (sudo rm -rf command).

  • Error code -8003 when trying to empty trash on external HD

    Hi I have a 2008 MacBook and a couple of external drives by iomega. Yesterday I was trying to copy 15 gb of files from my MacBook to my USB external drive, and didn't have enough space. So I attempted to delete all my Time Machine backups from 2011 (the oldest ones) from the USB external in an attempt to free up space. Time Machine began doing an auto backup while this was happening. I let it run while I slept, then this morning found I cannot empty the Trash when the USB external drive is connected and turned on. The Trash contains all the backups I was trying to delete yesterday, and when I try to empty Trash it says "The operation can't be completed because an unexpected error occured (error code -8003)". I have run Disk Utility to "verify" the USB external and it checked out ok. I've also rebooted both MacBook and restarted the USB external. Any other ideas on how I can get the trash to empty?

    Hi Andvari,
    If you are having issues emptying the Trash on your MacBook, you may find the following article helpful:
    Apple Support: You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash
    http://support.apple.com/kb/ht1526
    Regards,
    - Brenden

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