Empty Trash error -8003

The reason why some of the files are blocking the trash from emptying is because of specific ".app" files from third party companies like Adobe products. Not the user files or the various help documents but instead the actual mother program. Here's how to fix this problem:

1) remove from the trash all the actual software programs like Photoshop, InDesign, DreamWeaver and so on and put them on the desktop.

2) Command "I" (info) and when the dialog box opens go to the "Name & Extension" text box and remove the ".app" from the software name. Example: Photoshop.app change to Photoshop.

3) the program icon will change to a "folder icon".

4) put the folder icon back into the trash and you should be able to now empty the trash.

If you continue to get the error code 8003 it's because you may still have one or more software programs in the trash that needs to go through this process. Remember - it's not the user files or help documents or supporting files that is causing this but instead the "actual product programs".

JKai

THANKS Trash it! An easy solution, though it will take an hour or so, depending on how many gigs you have.....

jkaiproductions, you are a lifesaver!!! Thank you!!! Although I haven't deleted ALL the files I need to, I have been able to get into the Mackeeper "app/folder" that's been in my trash just by removing the .app!!! Now I just need to get rid of the "contents" folder with the "plugins" in it ... does anyone know how to do that? In the meantime, I'll try TrashIt or Onyx. Will do a bit of research before I do as I no longer want to put third party software on my computer after this debarkle!!!

To update you (continuation from my reply above) ... the rest of the Mackeeper Plugins deleted in seconds with TrashIt!!! Yay!

I know this is an expensive fix, but since I only see the items in the trash when the time machine is running, couldn't I just buy a new time machine?

Isn’t it easier to get some permanent deletion software, e.g. Wipe Drive Enterprise ( http://www.whitecanyoncee.com/ )? For me this is the simplest way to completely erase any files, especially those that cause some troubles when you want to delete them from trash. But remember deletion will be irreversible then.

I had this problem today. MacPro tower running 10.6.8. "Trash It" did not work for me. I restarted from another hard drive (you could use any cd with OS on it such as disk warrior) Once up and running from the alternative drive I was able to empty the trash. Then I restarted with my original drive and now empty trash works as it should with this drive as well.

there is link online but this is how you do it.

1) click on your trash can

2) hold the option and shift key together

3) empty trash

One more very important thing you must do. You must eject your external hard drive otherwise it can't delete the files in your trash can.

It worked for me using the cmd below:

Type the following (without the quotes) in the terminal window. “sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/”

+1 for Trash it! I also sent the author $5. He sent a thank you note back but Trashit! Saved what's left of my sanity.

backup via time machine to a 500gb G-Drive. Drag my extra backups from the G-Drive to the Trash. Got the 8003 error when trying to empty the trash. Option empty trash did not work. Shift-Option empty trash did not work. Trashit did not work. Onyx worked. I downloaded it from the Titanium site here: http://www.titanium.free.fr/. It's free. I got the 10.6x version. Used the menu option: Cleaning > Trash. Thanks to all who suggest Onyx!

I compressed the application in question, put it into the trash can, and both the original uncompressed version and the zipped version emptied without a problem.

Here's another method for overcoming the 8003 error code using a MacBook.

Totally shutdown the laptop, and leave it off for about 15 seconds.

Hold down the lefthand shift key and turn the laptop back on. Do not release the shift key until the machine boots up, or asks you for your password if you have set one up. Type in your password to continue the boot. The machine will have started in 'safe' mode. You should then be able to empty anything in the trash can.

Shutdown again, and leave it off again for 15 seconds. Turn it back on normally, then try deleting something and then emptying the trash can. It should now be okay.

open trash, right click app icon, go to show package contents, open and find the executable, move to desktop, re-put into trash, and empty securly.

at least that worked for me /: |

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Thank you. This worked for me.

It did leave behind some files in the Trash, but that is a good thing. I suspect these are the files that are causing the -8003 error. Essentially, this will shortcut the process of moving all the files out of the Trash and then dragging them back in groups to discover which files are causing the error.

FWIW, the files that were left behind were bundles, all from the same source.