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Level 1

40 points

Trash won't delete files, says they're "in use"

Since installing Snow Leopard, I've noticed that files I've thrown in the Trash can't be deleted until I quit the app that handled the file. For example, if I attach an image to an email message, send the message and then delete the original file, I can't empty the Trash (even an hour later) until I quit Mail. Same for .rtf files opened in TextEdit. This seems screwy. Comments appreciated.

20" iMac 2.16GHz Core 2 Duo, Mac OS X (10.6), 13" 2.53GHz MacBook Pro

Posted on Sep 4, 2009 11:39 AM

37 replies

alexbet

Level 1

5 points

Sep 16, 2009 6:58 AM in response to alansky1

I am having the same problem when sending attachments with Mail. It will not empty the trash until I close Mail. I never had this problem in Leopard.

I have also noticed that for a disk that I changed the permissions for (I have read/write permissions), when I delete a file on that disk, the file is immediately deleted, it doesn't go to the trash. Someone have this problem too?

e-dub

Level 1

4 points

Sep 18, 2009 11:41 AM in response to alansky1

I am having the same issue. Isn't one of the new features in 10.6 that it will tell you which application is still using the item?

Sep 22, 2009 3:35 PM in response to alansky1

For me it's only that I cannot empty trash if it contains a file I attached to an email. It says it's in use and I have to hold down command. Hopefully 10.6.2 will fix it.

eugelit1

Level 1

107 points

Sep 23, 2009 7:46 AM in response to ChiILArmand

Same problem here - when I mail a file as attachment, then I cannot delete it.
If I close Mail then I can purge the Trash, but it is a bit annoying.

Sep 24, 2009 8:46 PM in response to eugelit1

I'm having this problem as well; it's odd that Mail places a lock on the file when it's just reading it, not writing to it.

yuleth

Level 1

10 points

Sep 25, 2009 9:41 AM in response to ouzoman

It's a pain, but I have found that clicking "Continue" when this error comes up allows most of the trash to be emptied - and that following this up with a Secure Empty Trash from the Finder menu takes care of the rest. I've done this a few times without rebooting and without quitting Mail. Hope it works for you.

Oct 19, 2009 5:34 PM in response to alansky1

After reading the thread and having the same or similar issues I find that if I quit mail and then empty the trash it will do what it should. Guess it is a bug in Snow Leopard.

Geesu

Level 1

0 points

Oct 22, 2009 8:01 AM in response to alansky1

Same problem on 10.6.1. I have to close Mail before I can delete the file 😟

/cry

eMak

Level 1

8 points

Dec 6, 2009 10:35 AM in response to Geesu

"Secure Empty Trash" will override the error. You will not have to log out or close mail to empty the trash.

Dec 8, 2009 9:42 AM in response to ouzoman

Just updated to 10.6.2 and I still can't trash original files which I have attached in Mail, with Mac Mail open.

Irritating bug.

MDParker

Level 1

8 points

Dec 10, 2009 6:23 AM in response to alansky1

i've had the same issue, but if you go into finder preferences and check the box for 'empty trash securely', it will bypass that. it takes a little longer to empty the trash can, but it won't pop up the message that mail is holding the file open.

macjack

Level 10

111,168 points

Dec 10, 2009 11:53 AM in response to alansky1

Go to /Applications /Utilities/Terminal and launch it.
At the prompt, copy and paste this command

sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash

Press Return.
You will be asked to enter your admin password. It will be invisible.
Enter it and press Return.
Log out and back in or restart.

This may also be a trash issue for some:
http://discussions.apple.com/thread.jspa?threadID=1418437

Let us know.

-mj

Dec 10, 2009 12:34 PM in response to macjack

Thanks for the suggestion Macjack. Have you try this solution? Has anyone? I just feel terminal solutions can be risky if not proven.

Thanks again.

macjack

Level 10

111,168 points

Dec 10, 2009 12:42 PM in response to BWCampbell

Yes, I rarely post anything that I haven't used/tested.

-mj

Message was edited by: macjack

Dec 10, 2009 12:57 PM in response to macjack

Hey thanks for reply macjack! One question though ... is this a one time fix or something you have to do every time you want to empty your trash?

Hoping it is a one time fix.

Trash won't delete files, says they're "in use"