Can't delete files in mavericks?

Delete stubborn files and leave your OS Mavericks Mac smelling lemony fresh! Some files simply will not delete. Sometimes it’s just one and other times your Mac gets stuck “Emptying Trash” for hours. Here are fast and simple ways expunge lingering files, including how to force empty Trash.

If you get an error message saying, “The operation can’t be completed because the item “diediedie.doc” is in use,” then quit the last app that accessed that file.

Can’t remember which app? You can quit all running apps by pressing Command + Option + Control + Eject — yes, you will have the opportunity to save changes in open files.

If you get an error that says, “The file is locked,” then hold down the Option key and empty the trash again — holding down the Option key overrides locked files.

For what it’s worth, that way did not work for me, but it’s certainly worth a try.

The method that DID successfully force empty Trash involved a little Command Line magic.

Go to Application > Utilities and open the Terminal app. At the prompt, copy/paste or type the following command and hit Return:

rm -rf ~/.Trash/*

And, then quit Terminal — your Mac’s Trash can will be empty and, if you squint your eyes just right while cocking your head to one side, it will also have a nice lemony fresh scent.

In truth the above Force Empty Trash methods will work on any Mac running OS X, not just Mavericks.

Repair permissions and reboot worked for me on a brand new rMBP. Weird. All my .Trash permissions were correct, so I don't know what the root cause was/is.

FYI, I had the same problem (error 43 trying to delete files). Repaired permissions and rebooted. Now it works. Thanks for your help.

Executing this code, then logging out / back in, resolved the issue for me. Thanks!

OK, didn't work for me...

The files are locked - unlocking them manually solves nothing.

Might be worth mentioning the files are from a Drobo drive...Thanks

Any options?

If you are unfamiliar with "terminal" commands and you seem to be unable to remove certain files, the easiest way to do it is to log in from another computer or from a cloned backup disk. Simply go from that disk or from any other computer with your own login credentials to the files you need to remove and delete them. Right click say "remove to trash" and you will get a pop-up asking you if you are sure to delete the file. The file will be deleted immediately without putting it in the trash. ( Note: you need to remove file by file)This work around works in 99% of all trash problem cases.

What if you have a macbook pro which Apple, in their infinite wisdom, no longer has an EJECT key?

I am having trouble deleting files from my trash. I am getting tired of going into the Terminal and putting in the code to delete. That does work but it is annoying and a pain to HAVE to go to that trouble. I have tried other suggestions like holding Option with the Empty button and that doesn't work. I can't do Option, Command Eject because my Macbook Pro DOES NOT HAVE AN EJECT KEY. I go into Force Quit and quit every application and it still won't empty. I have also gone to Disc Utilities and "Repair Permissions" and that didn't help either. It seems that the problem is always the last file that I placed into the trash and it WILL NOT DELETE. Why is it doing this and what can I do to permanently fix this. Again, I can paste the code into Terminal and it does work but I find that a pain and annoying to do something that is supposed to work with the push of a single button.

PATH FINDER IS GREAT, THO I HAD THIS PROBLEM IN PATHFINDER ALSO.

Using the Option key whilst emptying trash worked! THANK YOU! By the way, the command for closing all apps (COMMAND, OPTION, CTRL, EJECT), if you have no eject key (using non-mac keyboard on mac mini) is there another way to execute the command?

hey,

I had the same problem today and the easiest way to fix it. Is to go to disk utility and and use first aid and then start your Mac and you should be just fine if not feel free to reply.