Force Delete a File

Question

Force Delete a File

I've got a couple of files on my computer that won't allow me to throw them away. When dropping in the trash, I'm told they're locked. When I get info on them, there's a checkmark by the Lock box, but if I try to unlock it, it either does nothing or I get the spinning circle of death. Is there any way to force delete these items? I know for pc's there are programs for getting rid of files, but what can I do with the mac?

Thanks in advance,
Erik

Mac, Mac OS X (10.4.6)

Posted on Apr 27, 2006 1:26 PM

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Answer 1

a brody

Level 10

82,941 points

Apr 27, 2006 1:40 PM in response to Erik Rosenbluh

You can use http://www.macosxcocktail.com/

Note this utility is a bit of a swiss army knife of utilities. Don't use any of its other functions without first consulting with a Mac expert when it is necessary to use them. Be sure that the files you are deleting are files you created, and not some other file. If unsure, backup your data first:

http://www.macmaps.com/backup.html

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Answer 2

Jpfresno

Level 4

3,020 points

Apr 27, 2006 1:45 PM in response to Erik Rosenbluh

Welcome back to Apple's Users Help Users Forums.
Hi Erik,

A couple of things to try. I have had similar prob's in the past but don't remember exactly what worked.

Log in as an admin' user.
See if that will let you delete or change ownership in "info," cmd i, and then delete.

Try changeing ownership, properties of the whole folder.

"help" with "cannot delete" search gave this:

"If an item is locked, you cannot put it in the Trash. Select the item and choose File > Get Info, then deselect the Locked checkbox in the General pane. If you do not own the item, you may need to provide an administrator's name and password to put the item in the Trash.
Press the Option key when you choose Empty Trash to prevent the warning message from appearing. You can also turn off the warning in the Advanced pane of Finder Preferences."

Hope that sends you on the way. Good Luck, JP

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