Time Machine folder will not empty from the trash.

I moved my backup files from an external hard drive to my iMac. It is running High Sierra.


When I try to empty the trash I get this message "The operation can’t be completed because the item “folders” is in use."


Any ideas on how I can get rid of these folders?

iMac 27″, macOS 10.13

Posted on Mar 29, 2024 7:41 AM

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Posted on Mar 29, 2024 8:04 AM

You should never manually delete or move Time Machine backups to the Trash.


The only fix, is to use Disk Utility to erase the whole Time Machine backup drive and start over.

see > Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac - Apple Support

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7 replies

Mar 29, 2024 8:13 AM in response to den.thed

Thanks.


My main problem is my iMac has the backup folders in the trash on the iMac.


I'm not that concerned with the folders on the external drive. I can get a new hard drive.


I am in the process of cleaning up my iMac hard drive of years of neglect. I am making as much room on my iMac drive as I can.


How do I empty the trash on my iMac and get rid of the backup folders in the trash?

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Time Machine folder will not empty from the trash.

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