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Level 1

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Unable to Empty Trash

I have two folders that I am unable to trash. Have tried all key combination and terminal options that I know of to empty. Unable to post an image of the errors that I am getting when attempting to empty via Secure Empty Trash and Terminal commands I will type out the error messages.

When using Secure Empty Trash: "The operation cannot be completed because a required item is in use." Also, "The operation cannot be completed because the item {folder name} is in use."

When using Terminal commands, using "sudo rm -ri /" I enter my password and it asks for confirmation and the resulting message is "Directory not empty"

ANY help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks.

MAC Dual 1.8 GHz PowerPC G5, Mac OS X (10.3.x)

Posted on Oct 6, 2010 2:19 PM

21 replies

PatrixUSA Author

Level 1

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Oct 11, 2010 10:19 AM in response to cornelius

Thx, the strange thing is that the system starts up normally - no issues other than not being able to empty these two folders out of the trash - and of course now, not being able to start in safe mode...

So I'm not sure kb article TS1417 applies since I am able to start the system normally...? I'll look through it and see if there is anything in there I can use, thanks again for your brain power on this. I'm starting to think the system will just have to live with those folders in the trash!?

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Oct 11, 2010 11:30 AM in response to PatrixUSA

I'm not sure kb article TS1417 applies

Since you do not have the origninal install disk this will help you to run Disk Utility and Repair Disk.

😉 cornelius

PatrixUSA Author

Level 1

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Oct 11, 2010 5:08 PM in response to cornelius

Well, since I don't have the install disk and cannot safe boot, I followed the instructions from kb article TS1417 to run fsck from the command line and get the following:
COMMAND: /sbin/fsck -fy
**Root file system
**Checking HFS Plus volume.
**Checking Extents Overflow file.
**Checking catalog file.
**Volume check failed.

Can't say the entries prior to the last are exact, going on memory since in single user mode, but last entry is exact. Tried this several times to same result.

You'd think from all these issues (unable to empty 2 folders from trash / unable to safe boot / unable to run fsck) that the system is completely FUBAR - oddly (but thankfully) the system shows no ill effects, system functions normally. If I weren't trying to get rid of these folders I'd be completely unaware of these other issues.

Seems at this point the more I trouble shoot this the more of these other issues I run into... very frustrating I must say! I'm just wondering if I need to worry about these other issues now...?

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Oct 11, 2010 8:10 PM in response to PatrixUSA

OK, so now we know that the directory has problems. You could try running a utility like Tech Tool Pro, DriveGenius or Disk Warrior. If you don't have any of these on hand at the moment try this:
• Download and install Applejack
• Restart computer holding down Command + S
• When Command line comes up type in
applejack AUTO

Let is run all five functions.

Your other option is to backup data, then reformat, reinstall the OS and restore from backup.

One more thing. Directory issues are sometimes rooted in hardware issues. A failing Hard Disk Drive can result in unrecoverable directory issues. A too full HDD can result in overlapping volume structures if there is not sufficient contiguous free space for laying down new pieces of the Extents Overflow File. Thus, how old is your HDD? and How much free space do you have on your HDD?

😉 cornelius

PatrixUSA Author

Level 1

0 points

Oct 12, 2010 11:30 AM in response to cornelius

Thanks cornelius...

cornelius wrote:
OK, so now we know that the directory has problems.

What directory, the ones in the trash or other?

cornelius wrote:
Thus, how old is your HDD? and How much free space do you have on your HDD?

System was built and purchased in July 2004. 75 GB capacity, 52 GB used, 22 GB free.

cornelius

Level 6

17,826 points

Oct 12, 2010 1:55 PM in response to PatrixUSA

What directory, the ones in the trash or other?

The one that is reported to have failed. In other words, the directory of the boot volume.

System was built and purchased in July 2004. 75 GB capacity, 52 GB used, 22 GB free.

The average life of an internal HDD is 3 to 5 years with many failing as early as year one. As the drive ages the thin coat of lubricant on the platter(s) thicken with age and the internal heat of the drive, becomes gummy and spins out to the edges of the platter causing the heads to stick and slowing up the drive. The hydroseal bearings which almost literally float in oil have the same thickening of the lubricant further affecting drive performance. If the drive does not fail outright performance decreases and the HDD eventually fails. If you are able to boot from the drive download and run SMART Utility 2.0.2, which will give you an in-depth look at the health of your drive.

😉 cornelius

Unable to Empty Trash