Unable to Empty Trash

Run a disk repair utility on that drive.

(54181)

If you have the problem where you can’t empty the Trash or eject a disk because something is preventing you? Usually the reason is because some application has a file open, and thus you can’t get rid of the disk or trash the file. Then use What’s Keeping Me! What’s Keeping Me (10.4) will identify the application that is preventing you from accomplishing your task. You can then use What's Keeping Me to quit, relaunch, or kill the problem application so you can get on with your business. http://www.hamsoftengineering.com/products/wkm/wkm.html

Sometimes it happens that the Finder just doesn't want to empty the trash anymore and says "The operation cannot be completed because the item "" is in use.". That's a good warning if it is true, but sometimes you want to get rid of an application and this warning appears even though the only thing running is the Finder. Usually after a restart you can delete it. But that is very time consuming and even then, it is sometimes still stuck not wanting to be deleted. There is a risky command that can be used in the Terminal that will empty the trash no matter what. Risky because a simple error in the syntax could erase a lot of stuff that you want to keep.

There is a way of forcing the Finder to empty the trash no matter what! It is done in the freeware customization and maintenance application OnyX (download @ http://www.titanium.free.fr/pgs/english/apps.html ). Once you loaded OnyX and entered your administrator password, choose "Cleaning" in the top bar. Click on the "Trash" tab. You can now choose whether you want to "Delete" or to "Securely Delete" (by overwriting) and click Execute. That's it, it will force the Finder to empty the trash even if the files are in use!

Many times, depressing the Option key while emptying Trash will empty problem files. Another method – start by depressing the mouse over the Trash icon. Then empty trash from the pop-up menu. The files should be emptied.

Also look at these links.

You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash in Mac OS X
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106272

Solving Trash Problems
http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html

How To Fix Stubborn Trash and Why it Won't Delete
http://www.osxfaq.com/Tutorials/LearningCenter/HowTo/Trash/index.ws

Download Trash It! v3.6.1 from:
http://www.nonamescriptware.com/?page_id=5

Download DropNuke from:
http://www.versiontracker.com/dyn/moreinfo/macosx/12664

 Cheers, Tom 😉

"The operation cannot be completed because a required item is in use."

Have you tried completely shutting down the computer, then restarting and emptying Trash?

Also, check out Dr. Smoke's FAQ Solving Trash Problems.

😉 cornelius

The Repair Disk command of the Disk Utility, not Repair Permissions. You may need to boot from a Mac OS X install disk or third-party software such as DiskWarrior.

(54191)

As I said above, you may need to reboot from the install disk. If you don't have that, restart with the Shift key held down and then normally.

(54192)

Hold down the Shift key immediately after startup chime and keep holding until the gray apple appears, then release. It takes a while to boot, so be patient. Once booted it should say Safe Boot or something to that effect.

😉 cornelius

Try this:
• Shut down the computer.
• Locate the following keys: Command, Option, P, and R. You will need to hold these keys down simultaneously later.
• Turn on the computer.
• Press and hold the Command + Option + P + R keys immediately after the startup chime.
• Hold keys down until you hear the startup chime for the third time.
• Release the keys and immediately hold down Shift key to start up in Safe Mode. _Hold Shift down *until the gray apple appears*, then release_.
• Log in and empty Trash.
• Restart normally and log in.

😉 cornelius

Don't understand why you are unable to start up in Safe Mode.

he does not have the OS start up disk

Try procedure outlined in Resolve startup issues and perform disk maintenance with Disk Utility and fsck.

😉 cornelius