Can't empty trash - item is "in use"...

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Level 1

13 points

Can't empty trash - item is "in use"...

i exported some pics from iphoto onto my desktop the other day to upload into facebook.
when i finished with them i put them into the trash. I like to empty my trash often & tried emptying my trash soon after & couldnt because they were still "in use".
I can assure you they are not in use & have shut every app down, still with no luck...
any ideas?
Oh i forgot to mention that 1/2 of the pictures were able to delete & the other 1/2 are "in use"

24" 2.8 iMac, BlackBook 2.16, G4 12" Powerbook, PowerMac G4 466, Mac OS X (10.5.5), 2GB/320G HD+640GB FW800+200external, 2GB/250G HD,1.25GB/120GB HD, 768MB/30G

Posted on Feb 19, 2009 12:06 AM

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Answer 1

Best reply

Carolyn Samit

Level 10

165,615 points

Feb 19, 2009 12:13 AM in response to DJstylus

Hello,

Go here for help: Resolving Trash Problems

And here: You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash in Mac OS X

Carolyn 🙂

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Answer 2

DJstylus Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 19, 2009 2:25 AM in response to Carolyn Samit

Hi,

thanks for the response. Checked the links out. The second link doesnt seem to load.
The 1st link was useful but it recommended going into terminal & using a character that I dont know how to make

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Answer 3

Feb 19, 2009 3:06 AM in response to DJstylus

Both links are OK for me but the simplest method may be to follow this from the first link which I have modified from 'type' to 'copy/paste':

Force the Trash to empty using Terminal

Perform the following steps in the order specified:

1 - Launch Terminal, located in Finder/Go/Utilities.

2 - At the Terminal prompt, copy/paste the following command.

sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/*

3 - Press Return.

4 - Type your Admin password when prompted, then press Return. Files in the Trash should now have been deleted.

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Answer 4

DJstylus Author

Level 1

13 points

Feb 19, 2009 4:55 AM in response to DJstylus

wow! just like that its gone! BAM!!

i love it!

thanks

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Answer 5

Feb 19, 2009 5:02 AM in response to DJstylus

I like the green star - thanks.

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