Impossible to delete a file

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Level 1

0 points

Impossible to delete a file

Hello, I have this one file that is giving me trouble.

When I put it in the trash and tries to delete it, it tells me that it is in use, even if it's not, and no program but the finder is running.

So I've gone with the terminal solution.

I type "sudo rm-f " with a space after the f, drag my file. It ask me for my password that I type, and it says command not found.

And then if I type sudo rm-f again, it tells me again that the command is not found. Seriously? It was like a second ago, and not anymore? Grr..

Does anyone have an idea on how to get rid of that file?

Thanks!

Ludo

iMac, Mac OS X (10.7.3)

Posted on Mar 29, 2012 8:24 AM

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Answer 1

donny

Level 6

10,408 points

Mar 29, 2012 8:39 AM in response to Ludo3

Have you tried restarting the computer and then emptying the trash?

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Answer 2

Mar 29, 2012 8:43 AM in response to Ludo3

Or just relaunch the Finder. Control-Option click on the Finder icon>Relaunch

If that does not solve your problem you can read more here:

http://www.thexlab.com/faqs/trash.html

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Answer 3

b j t

Level 4

3,698 points

Mar 29, 2012 8:46 AM in response to Ludo3

You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash

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Answer 4

Ludo3 Author

Level 1

0 points

Mar 29, 2012 8:59 AM in response to Ludo3

Yes, I have tried this... I seem to have an issue with my trash I guess..

When I tried the "Empty and recreate an account's Trash" manipulation in the link you gave me leroydouglas, even there I had an error message...

User uploaded file

It's weird...:S

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Answer 5

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Mar 29, 2012 9:03 AM in response to Ludo3

"rm-f" is not a shell command. You mean "rm -f". I very strongly urge you to stay out of the shell until you've gone through the long learning process needed to become familiar with it. That's especially true of the "sudo" command, which is capable of destroying every bit of data you have, possibly including backups, if you make a mistake. There is no "undo."

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