Cannot empty the trash after transferred time machine backups.

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Level 1

7 points

Cannot empty the trash after transferred time machine backups.

I purchased a new larger capacity external HD for time machine backups. I changed time machine to use the new drive. All good. Backups started appearing on the new drive. I then moved the backup files from the "old" drive to the trash. Moved, no problem. Now I cannot empty the trash. I did "get info" on the old drive and unlocked the lock in the lower RH corner of the drive panel. Now after selecting empty trash I get all files cannot be deleted and other messages. The trash doesn't empty. I have two backup files in the trash and cannot delete either. I tried to move the file back to the original HD and them reformat but I cannot move it either. I'm stuck. Any suggestions?

iMac Line (2012 and Later)

Posted on Jan 26, 2022 11:33 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,090 points

Jan 26, 2022 1:06 PM in response to ALHTXS

First, never delete TM files manually. The files in your trash are connected to the TM drive from where they came. They will always get stuck in the trash. You need to connect the drive to your Mac, then within the TM pane remove the drive, then erase and format the drive and the files can be deleted (if not done automatically).

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

102,553 points

Jan 27, 2022 6:52 AM in response to ALHTXS

If the Old TM BAckup drive is reformatted - in theory the Trash should empty.

Rebuild the Spotlight index on your Mac

OR >>

Disable System Integrity Protection ( SIP)

Disable SIP via recovery mode csrutil and then remove the file in question and then Enable SIP again as soon as done.

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.

Warning

Disable SIP only temporarily to perform necessary tasks, and reenable it as soon as possible. Failure to reenable SIP when you are done testing leaves your computer vulnerable to malicious code.

Enable System Integrity Protection

To reenable SIP, do the following:

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

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Answer 3

ALHTXS Author

Level 1

7 points

Jan 26, 2022 5:23 PM in response to tbirdvet

Sorry not following. - The 'files I want to delete are in the trash on the iMac. Paper in the trash can, etc. I "moved them to trash" (right click) from the old external HD. They do not appear on the "where they came from drive" any more. The where they came from drive is still connected to the Mac. Just not used as my '™ backup destination drive The new HD is now the ™ backup drive. The new HD has new backups on it already. If I reformat the "where they came from drive" (even though it doesn't show the ** folder any longer), will that clear the trash can?

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Answer 4

tbirdvet

Level 6

17,090 points

Jan 27, 2022 5:36 AM in response to ALHTXS

Remove the new drive and Reconnect the "where they came from" drive and follow the process as I stated above.

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Cannot empty the trash after transferred time machine backups.

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