Looks like no one’s replied in a while. To start the conversation again, simply ask a new question.

Can't (securely) empty trash, not even in terminal

Hey Guys,


I am totally desperate. I've been wondering how to empty my trash and I have tried almost everything on the web.

Here's the description:

I have 2 items in my trash which have been there since forever (I just cant seem to get rid of them).
I think they come from some Hard disk which i once putt in or something like that.


First file:

Unix Executable File
1,993,628,648 bytes (1.99 GB on disk)
You have unknown acces


Second file:

Folder (Seperated in 1 more folder which is again seperated in 3 folders)
Zero bytes (Zero bytes on disk) for 10 items

You can read and write



I tried the following things:

- Emptying the trash with CMD+Click (Secure empty trash). Gives me this error: "The operation can’t be completed because the item “delete aargh” is in use."


- Restarted the computer over a thousand times, no succes


- cd ~/.Trash; rm -rf * in terminal, did'nt work


- I tried renaming the files to 2.rtf to rewrite it with an actual 2.rtf file but it did'nt work.

- I tried the "Preview bug" it's not that as well

- I tried (Terminal) sudo rm -rf path-to-file-or-folder


- I tried TashIt (app) and TrashX (app) did'nt work


- I used the Disk Repair utility


- I checked if the files would be locked and/or hidden


I can't think of any other things left. I hope theres someone here who can solve my never ending story of not-being-able-to empty my trashcan.


Hope to hear from you guys!


Thanks!

iMac (27-inch Mid 2011), Mac OS X (10.7.5)

Posted on Sep 12, 2013 2:02 PM

Reply
4 replies

Can't (securely) empty trash, not even in terminal

Welcome to Apple Support Community
A forum where Apple customers help each other with their products. Get started with your Apple ID.