deleting locked files in recycle bin

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Level 1

22 points

deleting locked files in recycle bin

I've been trying to empty my recycle bin for over a week and i'm extremely frustrated.. There seem to be locked files from deleted backup files (I didnt put there) but it takes forever to delete files then it ends saying there's a locked file. I can't find the file, the folders are nested 30 deep easily. I'll never be able to do this normally.

Is there an easier way to mass delete locked files hidden in the recycle bin? It's creating storage problems, there's several gigs of stuff trying to clear.

macbook pro running monterey

Posted on Dec 2, 2022 4:29 PM

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Answer 1

PRP_53

Level 10

91,735 points

Dec 3, 2022 2:24 AM in response to pcdebb

If the files are actually from your Time Machine Backup Drive and now in the Trash Bin and will not delete

The user may consider'

1 - putting them back on the TM Backup Drive

2 - Or from this link regarding Enable / Disabling System Integrity Protection ( SIP ) for this specific action.

3 - Once the Trash Bin is Empty - Immediately Re-Enable SIP

Disabling and Enabling System Integrity Protection - Apple ...

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Answer 2

pcdebb Author

Level 1

22 points

Dec 3, 2022 10:26 PM in response to pcdebb

None of that worked. I was about to reformat the entire drive when I realized it emptied when I unplugged the external drive that is used for time machine. Plugged in, all the files returned. Apparently it's trying to delete all the backups on the drive......I dont know how to make that stop or even format the external and start over. It's tied up in this operation that never finishes.

One problem solved, another created.

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