Can't delete files and folders from Server

Question

Level 1

0 points

Can't delete files and folders from Server

I've inherited a very interesting setup that worries me greatly. Basically I have a Xserve G5 running 10.4.10 server. Its logged in as the root account and is serving around 50 Mac's as a file server. 25 local accounts 25 Network accounts. Seems there has been a few problems in the past, I think they may be right....

Anyway my issue today is:
A Network user can't delete files that they own. Nobody can trash these files. Even from the Server (as root) these files report they are in use and will not delete. Is this a Unix Sticky Bit issue? they are in the Server trash but how do I remove them. That would be a start as I spin more plates.

I can get down downtime reinstall would be best solution Just setting it up correctly from the start would make me feel a whole lot better but this is a business no downtime...

Mac OS X (10.4.11)

Posted on Feb 2, 2008 10:07 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Antonio Rocco

Level 6

12,278 points

Feb 3, 2008 2:32 PM in response to Forest Fresh

Hi

Its difficult to give advice as you have not really supplied any details. Its possible you can delete these files using terminal. If you create a folder on the desktop - leave it as untitled - can you move the files from the trash to the folder without them copying? If you can issue this command in terminal:

cd ~/Desktop
sudo rm -R untitled\ folder

You'll be prompted for the password, issue it (don't worry if you don't see anything being typed as there is no echo in terminal) and it should disappear.

If this does not work, restart the server and try deleting the items from the trash, its amazing what a simple restart will cure sometimes. If you are still having problems deleting these files/folders restart the server and hold down the shift key whilst doing so (safe boot). This will reboot the server with all extensions and start-up items disabled, you may then be able to delete these 'in use' files either using the normal method or using the command line. Whilst you are in safe mode run DU repair privileges and permissions.

Sometimes the problem you are seeing is indicative of drive/directory problems, if you have the chance to run DiskWarrior or Tech Tool Pro to try and repair the problems it may help. Ultimately it may be best if you did start again with it especially if you think there have been problems before in the past. Depending on the server role I would plan on two-four hours downtime.

Hope this helps, Tony

Reply

Answer 2

Forest Fresh Author

Level 1

0 points

Feb 4, 2008 1:16 AM in response to Antonio Rocco

That was great, did the trick.
I couldn't move items to a untitled folder as it just copied, so I did the following:

Launch Terminal.
Type: <sudo rm –R>.

Press the spacebar one time.

Open the Trash window in the Finder, and drag all the files you want to delete to the Terminal window.

The files' pathway names should be appended to the line following the space.

Press Return.

I have many problems to overcome with this server and feel starting again would be the best. I would like to take it up to 10.4.11 from 10.4.10 but am concerned about up dating a Server "Built on Sand"

Thanks for the help Tony.

Reply