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Jørn Aune Author

Level 1

4 points

How do I delete a file even root user can't delete?

I downloaded the Mac OS Catalina installer to my Mac mini running Big Sur. After copying it to an external disk, I deleted the file. When I empty the trash, Finder says that the file is in use. I have restarted the system, even logged in as root, but I can't delete the file.

When logged in as root, I can't even change permission on the InstallESD.dmg-file.

I have also tried the rm -R-command in terminal. Operation is not permitted is the response.

Any suggestions on how I can get rid of this file?

Mac mini 2018 or later

Posted on Aug 29, 2021 11:47 AM

Top-ranking reply

dialabrain

Level 10

124,817 points

Posted on Aug 29, 2021 12:01 PM

You need to disable SIP temporarily, delete the file, then re-enable SIP.

Disable System Integrity Protection Temporarily

To disable SIP, do the following:

Restart your computer in Recovery mode.
Launch Terminal from the Utilities menu.
Run the command csrutil disable.
Restart your computer.

To re-enable.

Restart your computer in Recovery mode.
Launch Terminal from the Utilities menu.
Run the command csrutil enable.
Restart your computer.

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How do I delete a file even root user can't delete?

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