Trash won't empty. too many files?

Question

Level 1

8 points

Trash won't empty. too many files?

My trash currently has a file called Backups.backupdb in it. I know this is related to Time Machine, which I currently (and usually have turned OFF). I believe this file is from the one time I tried to use Time Machine and then decided against it in the middle of a back up and quit the program. But now, when I try Empty Trash it won't empty and doesn't even count the files. So then I tried Secure Empty Trash and it began to count the files and got all the way to 200,000+ files before my mac shut down. Why is this happening?! I really really need to empty the trash and even have a desktop folder called "Trash" with a backlog of other items I want to delete because my memory is running VERY low and I'm trying to clear up as much space as possible. PLEASE HELP!

other possibly related details: my laptop is from 2006 and very slow. it won't work unless its plugged in and the fan is broken so it often overheats. saving up for a new one asap but this is it for now.

thank you!

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.5.8)

Posted on Jun 13, 2011 9:51 AM

Reply

Answer 1

Best reply

Texas Mac Man

Level 8

46,839 points

Jun 13, 2011 11:41 AM in response to threeships

because my memory is running VERY low

Memory refers to RAM. It's your hard drive free space that's running low.

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 😉

Reply

Answer 2

threeships Author

Level 1

8 points

Jun 13, 2011 3:48 PM in response to Texas Mac Man

Hi Tom,

Thanks so much for your detailed response. I've only been able to try option one--downloaded Onyx and am currently on my third attempt at emptying the trash that way. The difference from your instructions is that I had to go through Onyx-->Utilities-->Trash tab-->Execute because there was no Trash tab under my "Cleaning" section. Don't know if that would make a difference, but regardless--its not working!! Very frustrating. It seems to be working at first and the "Deleting Trash Contents" bar fills up about three quarters of the way before stopping and never makes it past that mark (see image). Then I have to force quite out of Onyx. I will try your other suggestions tomorrow but thought I would let you know in case this brings anything else to light.

Again, thanks for you help!!!

Reply

Answer 3

Pondini

Level 8

38,863 points

Jun 13, 2011 4:59 PM in response to threeships

See #E6 in Time Machine - Troubleshooting.

Reply