Can't Delete Time Machine Folder

Question

Level 1

8 points

Can't Delete Time Machine Folder

How can I delete an old Time Machine folder from my trash? When I try to empty the trash, I get a message back that some files are in use, but Time Machine is off and I don't want/need the backup anymore, so I dragged it from my backup drive and turned off Time Machine. Now I can't get rid of it. I've already tried to boot into "safe" mode, but I gat the same error message. My 27" iMac is a late 2015 (iMac 17,1) running macOS 10.13.6 (High Sierra) so it's a powerhouse. Any suggestions?

iMac 27", macOS 10.13

Posted on Nov 3, 2019 6:22 PM

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Answer 1

Usatran Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 3, 2019 9:25 PM in response to TheLittles

I turned on Time Machine and dragged the Time Machine backup folder back to my Firewire external drive. The desktop icon changed to the Time Machine icon and when I went into Time Machine preferences, I was able to select the drive and the backup timer started to countdown to the beginning of when the new TM backup would start. All is well.

The Trash icon is clear of trash and my system is backing up perfectly, although I actually use Backblaze for my off-site backups. I'll let TM just run for a bit, then I'll shut it down.

Thank you again for your assistance. I really appreciate the support.

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Answer 2

BDAqua

Level 10

250,259 points

Nov 3, 2019 6:43 PM in response to Usatran

OH OH, never delete TM files in the Finder, only within TM itself.

Only cure I've seen for this so far is to completely erase the TM drive & start over.

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Answer 3

TheLittles

Level 10

203,809 points

Nov 3, 2019 6:58 PM in response to Usatran

Usatran Said:

”When I try to empty the trash, I get a message back that some files are in use, but Time Machine is off and I don't want/need the backup anymore, so I dragged it from my backup drive and turned off Time Machine.”

———-

Plug the Hard Drive Back in to Delete it:

To rid of this, plug the exact same hard drive back into your Mac that you are trying to delete this Time Machine Backup (TMB) from.

Leave the hard drive plugged in, waiting until the TMB is successfully deleted from the Trash.

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Answer 4

TheLittles

Level 10

203,809 points

Nov 3, 2019 8:54 PM in response to Usatran

You are welcome. Please post back and inform us if what worked.

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Answer 5

Usatran Author

Level 1

8 points

Nov 3, 2019 6:52 PM in response to BDAqua

Can't delete the drive in that my 2TB Firewire Drive (external Seagate HD in an OWC enclosure) is used for my iPhoto library storage and both my Google Chrome and Safari downloads. Would upgrading to a new macOS (10.15 Catalina) help?

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