Deleting "~$" files

1 - Suggest restarting in Safe Mode. This will perform a Disk Repair, clear cache files and only load Apple Software, extensions and fonts. The boot up will be slow and can take some time - Normal.

2 - Sometimes a Safe Boot followed by a Normal Boot will just put things right.

I have no idea what ~$ is, but if you´re sure it´s not needed then try deleting it using the Terminal app, found in System/Applications/Utilities/Terminal.app. Here´s how:

Open Terminal and at the blinking cursor type

rm

followed by one space.

Next, drag the file you want to delete into the Terminal window. The command line should then look like this (as an example I´m about to delete a file called “rubbish” located on my desktop):

rm /Users/yourname/Desktop/rubbish.png

Now press Enter, and the file is gone forever! Most important is the one space after rm! Hope this helps you!

borakim wrote:

I'm not sure how the file got there in the first place - it just showed up one day and hasn't disappeared since. The file extension is .xlsx (excel). I assume it's some kind of temporary file that's been left over from the actual file (which no longer exists anywhere on my laptop). The size is only 165 bytes (4 KB on desk).

Q - " The file extension is .xlsx (excel) "

A - Important information provided Excel File - excellent.

With the Excel Application closed and not active - the file should be good to delete. Though, the fact a Safe Boot and Terminal command rm did not work - leads me to believe there are Other Issues at play on this computer

Suggest downloading the Application Etrecheck directly from a well Respected ASC Contributor. And Safe to use.

The application is free or paid from added features. 

Run the application with Full Disc Access ( Security & Privacy - Full Disc Access ).

It will take a Snap Shot -  both the hardware and software.

 The Report will Not Reveal Any Personal Information. 

Post back the Full Report - copy and paste - using the Additional Text Icon ( 3rd Icon to last )

We can have a look at the report for possible issues and may have possible suggestions to resolve the issues.

Then this file appears to be Hidden and System File that can not be deleted.

How did the file get place there is the first place

Reliable and Accurate information may increase the chances of Finding a solution.

Q - No Time Machine backup - Time Machine backup not found.

A - A Time Machine Backup  is very useful and can be used to Revert to Previous Working macOS.

Q - Battery failure - Your battery is reporting that it needs to be serviced.  High battery cycle count - Your battery may be losing capacity.

A - Batteries are considered Consumable Products. Over time it will degrade to a point where it needs to be replaced. The usage is normal as the capacity will go up and down all the time and never stay always at 100%. Apple Batteries are rated for 1000 Full Battery Cycles and / or 80% Capacity before needing Evaluation or replacement.

Q - Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed that could be malicious and should be reviewed. Kernel panics - This system has experienced kernel panics that could be related to 3rd party software.

Q - Low disk space - This computer is running critically low on free hard drive space. disk0 - APPLE SSD SM0128G 121.33 GB (Solid State - TRIM: Yes)

121.12 GB (Shared - 2.15 GB used, 8.02 GB free) 

A - it is suggested to keep at least 15%  to 20% of the Drive Total Capacity as Empty Space for good operations of the computer and for additional updates and just for the computer to function normally.

Q - SSD too slow - SSD is showing poor performance.

A - This computer is from 2017 to 2022 = 5 years old SSD. Added is,  the extra work this computer has been required to write and read data more often because of the Lack of Empty Space. Depending on just how long this computer has been in this state, may have contributed to the decline in the drives health.

Q - Clean up - There are orphan files that could be removed.

Unsigned files - There are unsigned software files installed. These files could be old, incompatible, and cause problems. They should be reviewed.

A - Self explanatory

borakim wrote:

I have a file on my desktop that starts with "~$" and I cannot find any way to delete it. Every time I move it to trash, it just re-appears on my desktop. Looking for help! Thank you.

Can you open it like a file ?

old issue, new issue, what changed...?

~ is in references to your user

$ is a default bash prompt

for ex.

The default BASH prompt is the one you see when you first open a terminal or command line. It usually looks something like this:

username@hostname:~$

Terminal User Guide for Mac - Apple Support

Execute commands and run tools in Terminal on Mac - Apple ...