How do I delete a locked folder

I'm trying to delete a locked folder on an external hard drive. I can unlock it using the info screen, but when I open the file again its locked. I used the Users & groups option and I can't turn on the option to Allow this user to administer this computer

iMac 27″, macOS 10.15

Posted on Sep 22, 2023 12:22 PM

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13 replies

Sep 23, 2023 10:17 AM in response to Margaret Zuanich

Here's a snapshot of the info on the folder. Notice that the Locked box is unchecked at the top, and the little lock symbol is open at the bottom. Also, the folder is empty, as I was able to delete all the files inside. These folders are on an external hard drive.




However, when I move it to trash, I get this message


I type in my password for my computer and still I get this message



When I look at the info for that folder again, it's locked.


I've also noticed that I can't change my permissions in the Users& Groups setting to allow me to administer this computer. Not sure what that does anyway.


Sep 23, 2023 10:34 AM in response to Margaret Zuanich

That folder isn't locked, so the things I suggested will not work.

Where are you looking at when you look again and see it locked?


You are set to administer the computer and you cannot disable it. In previous OS versions, it would allow you to remove yourself from the admin group. Lots of problems when you do that.


Open up Terminal and copy/paste in this command, leave a space, then drag that folder into the Terminal Window. It will fill out the path to that folder:

ls -alde  


It will spit out the permissions and ACLs on that folder. Copy and paste it into a reply, here.

Sep 28, 2023 11:55 AM in response to Margaret Zuanich

Margaret Zuanich wrote:

Not sure what you mean by. "override that with authentication"
So far, nothing suggested here has worked. I can delete files inside the folders, but not the folder itself as I can't move it to trash.

The ACL entry should be able to be overridden i.e. you can tell it I don’t care delete it anyway, if you were an admin user. It should ask you to authenticate as admin and then it should move it to the trash. It should not interfere with emptying the trash. There must be something else wrong. Maybe there’s something in the folder that is otherwise locked down.

How do I delete a locked folder

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