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Can’t empty trash because items are still in use

I’m trying to empty my Mac’s trash to get rid of Mycouponsmart, MyMacUpdater, and MyMacUpToDate but it won’t let me. It keeps telling me that they’re still in use when I try to empty the trash and even if I try to immediately delete them it won’t work. I tried the delete immediately technique and if I right click one of the files while I hold option it doesn’t show up. I also tried to click option, command, and delete at the same time but nothing happened. How do I fix this so I can get rid of these adware?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Aug 8, 2020 11:42 AM

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Posted on Aug 8, 2020 12:06 PM

Give this a try: reboot in Safe mode. It is possible you can empty your trash now

How to reboot in Safe mode: https://support.apple.com/en-gb/HT201262 (be patient: it can take a while to reboot in safe mode)

3 replies

Aug 8, 2020 12:09 PM in response to kissthefuture

First, it's possible that you have not deleted all of the files associated with these programs. Second, you can try rebooting the computer and Use safe mode to isolate issues with your Mac, then try Emptying the Trash. Third, use Google to locate articles on how to remove these programs. If that doesn't work, then you will have to search for and delete the other components of these programs.


Basics for Uninstalling Software


Most OS X applications are completely self-contained "packages" that can be uninstalled by simply dragging the application to the Trash.  Applications may create preference files that are stored in the /Home/Library/Preferences/ folder.  Although they do nothing once you delete the associated application, they do take up some disk space.  If you want you can look for them at the above location and delete them, too.

Some applications may install an uninstaller program that can be used to remove the application. If you cannot find the uninstaller then you could download the freeware, Easy Find, to locate files that need to be removed. The places you need to search include:


  1. /Home/Library/Applications Support/ folder. Check if the application has created a folder then delete the folder that's in the Applications Support folder.
  2. Applications may install a startupitem or a LogIn item. StartupItems are usually installed in the /Library/StartupItems/ folder or the /Home/Library/StartupItems/ folder.  Login Items are set in the Users & Groups preferences. Open it in System Preferences, then click on the Login Items tab. Select the item from the list and click on the Delete [-] button to remove it.
  3. Some software use startup daemons or agents.  Look for them in /Library/LaunchAgents/ and /Library/LaunchDaemons/ or in /Home/Library/LaunchAgents/.


Some applications install a receipt in the /Library/Receipts/ folder.  Usually with the same name as the program or the developer.  The item generally has a ".pkg" extension.  Be sure you also delete this item as some programs use it to determine if it's already installed.


There are many utilities that can uninstall applications.  Here is a selection:



For more information visit The XLab FAQs and read the FAQ on removing software.


Can’t empty trash because items are still in use

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