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Cannot delete macOS Mojave.app

Hi,

I'm having an issue trying to delete this Mojave installer. I had previously downloaded it to make a USB installer for another computer. I am running 11.4.

If I put it in the trash and try to empty the trash, I get this error message: "The operation can’t be completed because the item “Install macOS Mojave.app” is in use."

I've tried to control+click it and select Delete Immediately and I get this message: "The operation can’t be completed because some items had to be skipped. For each item, choose File > Get Info, make sure “Locked” is deselected, and then check the Sharing & Permissions section. When you are sure the items are unlocked and not designated as Read Only or No Access, try again."

When I Get Info on it, the file is not locked, and I have set all the permissions to read and write. This has not helped.

I tried using Terminal with sudo rm -R with no success.

I have restarted and tried all methods again, still no success.

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Jul 16, 2021 6:39 PM

Top-ranking reply

dialabrain

Level 10

124,733 points

Posted on Jul 17, 2021 10:58 AM

You need to boot into Recovery Mode, disable SIP by running "csrutil disable" in the Terminal. Restart then delete the file. Then you should reboot into Recovery Mode again, re-enable SIP by typing "csrutil enable" in the Terminal, then restart again.

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Cannot delete macOS Mojave.app

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