How can I delete 'blocked' files?

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Level 1

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How can I delete 'blocked' files?

On the NAS (Drobo N5) of my own computer there are some files I have to but cannot delete.

I copied them myself to the external NAS drive and other files I copied can be deleted, just some not. I get the nessage that i am not allowed to eccess or delete them.

Strange ...

How can I delete them anyway? Is there a speciual app to delete 'blocked' files?

I do have Admin rights for my own computer (of course)

Thanks for a suggestion that might help me.

iMac, Macbook Air, iPad, iPhone, PC

Posted on Jul 11, 2013 3:18 AM

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Answer 1

nbar

Level 5

7,019 points

Jul 11, 2013 3:23 AM in response to JohGHahn01

You need to have root privileges in this case.

Use the terminal:

sudo rm -rf /pathtofile

where pathtofile is the full path to the file/folder you want to delete.

Be very careful with this command. using it incorrectly could delete everything on your volume.

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Answer 2

JohGHahn01 Author

Level 1

0 points

Jul 11, 2013 3:39 AM in response to nbar

Thanks nbar!

But isn't there a simpler and less dangerous way? Some app that I can have the little problem solve for me.

I think having root priviliges (it's my computer!) but as just an innocent user with very little 'inside knowledge' I'd prefer not to go deep into the sysrtem with commands I cannot oversee as a layman.

Thanks for an 'idiot proof sollution'

By the way: the file I want to get rid of in 263 Gb and gray (I cannot even open it).

Rgrads

Johan Hahn

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Answer 3

nbar

Level 5

7,019 points

Jul 11, 2013 3:54 AM in response to JohGHahn01

Select the file and press COMMAND + I. This will show you 'more information'. Make sure the box "locked" is not checked. In the bottom right hand corner you will see a little lock. Click it and enter your password. Change the permissions to Read/Write for you. Delete other users from this menu, including system. Then, try and delete the file.

No worries, I am sure there is a simpler and less dangerous way...you are not an idiot. 😎

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