WillFriedwald2

Level 2 (171 points)

Desktops

Q: deleting "locked" files from the trash

I have a very large number of old files in the trash (have actually moved them from one drive to another)

when I try to empty the trash, I get a message that these files are "locked and cannot be deleted."

I can push the unlock button, which is easy enough, except that I have thousands of these files that I am trying to empty from the trash.

Help! Any suggestions ?

thanks!

w

Mac Pro, OS X Yosemite (10.10.2), many hard drives both internal & ex

Posted on Jun 25, 2015 7:13 AM

I have this question too

Q: deleting "locked" files from the trash

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Helpful answers

by Sparkleberry,

Sparkleberry Jun 25, 2015 7:28 AM in response to WillFriedwald2
Level 4 (3,110 points)

Notebooks

Jun 25, 2015 7:28 AM in response to WillFriedwald2

From Apple

First, try holding the Option key as you choose Empty Trash from the Finder menu.

You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash - Apple Support
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by Eric Root,

Eric Root Jun 25, 2015 4:27 PM in response to WillFriedwald2
Level 9 (73,048 points)

iTunes

Jun 25, 2015 4:27 PM in response to WillFriedwald2

Trash – Empty When File is Locked or in Use

Try holding down the option button while trying to delete the Trash. If that doesn’t work, here is some more information.

Trash FAQ

Trash won’t empty
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