found photos.library in trash. trash cannot delete it

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Level 1

4 points

found photos.library in trash. trash cannot delete it

I placed about 40 files in the trash to be deleted. When I noticed that the trash was taking more time than usual to delete the files, I checked the trash to find that only about 6 files had been deleted. I also discovered the file "Photos Library.photoslibrary" which I had not put in the trash. I took the file "Photos Library.photoslibrary" out of the trash, but the trash monitor just kept moving back and forth, like it has crashed. I'm looking for any ideas about what I can do to empty the trash.

MacBook Pro 16″, macOS 13.6

Posted on Mar 15, 2024 9:50 AM

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Answer 1

Top-ranking reply

Old Toad

Level 10

217,812 points

Mar 15, 2024 10:35 AM in response to jrbme

Open Activity Monitor and search for any processes in the CPU section for Photos. If there are any kill them and immediately empty the Trash.

If that doesn't work Bboot into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and delete from there.

Note: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 2

Old Toad

Level 10

217,812 points

Mar 15, 2024 11:51 AM in response to jrbme

If a normal reboot doesn't help try booting into Safe Mode according to How to use safe mode on your Mac and delete from there.

Note: if you have a wireless keyboard with rechargeable batteries connect it with its charging cable before booting into Safe Mode. This makes it act as a wired keyboard as will assure a successful boot into Safe Mode.

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Answer 3

léonie

Level 10

203,511 points

Mar 15, 2024 11:40 AM in response to jrbme

Sometimes it helps to restart the Mac to stop all background processes. Just ensure, that no apps will automatically be started again, when you restart the Mac. Then try again to empty the Trash, first thing after signing into you user account.

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Answer 4

jrbme Author

Level 1

4 points

Mar 15, 2024 11:33 AM in response to Old Toad

Old Toad -

Thanks for responding to my request for help. I did find photoslibrary on the Activity Monitor. I killed it and returned to the "trash". When I clicked on the trash "empty" button, there was a response: “Trash” can’t be opened right now because it’s being used by another task, such as moving or copying an item or emptying the Trash. Try again when the current task is complete. I did notice that "photoslibrary" file was no longer in the trash when I pressed the "empty" button; I tried it again, but still processing I guess.

I appreciate you taking the time to respond; it can be a hopeless feeling when you're not too savvy with the OS systems. At 77, I'm an old toad too. I'll let you know how I make out. John

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found photos.library in trash. trash cannot delete it

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