Can't empty trash, error code -43

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Can't empty trash, error code -43

Hello there everyone,

So as written above, my problem is that I can't empty my trash, I've tried every solution I've found on the internet, but none of them actually work. When I try to empty it, I get the message that the items are in use, but it is practically impossible, because they are some text files, but with weird extension in the filename's end, for example:

notes_102_331_2012-(ABC).txt/Zone.Identifier

There are like 30 files like this, and they are in a folder called "Notes", but every time I try to empty them, I get the message that they are in use, although everything is closed except finder. I've tried to rename the files, but then I get the error code -43. The folder itself can be renamed, but that doesn't help. When I try to move the files to another folder or drive, again: error code -43. Can someone help? It's really annoying, it's been like this for the last 3 months and I cannot do anything about it. Thanks in advance.

iMac, OS X Yosemite (10.10.1)

Posted on Dec 9, 2014 6:30 AM

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Answer 1

Linc Davis

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Dec 9, 2014 2:05 PM in response to zarandok33

Does that mean the name of the file includes a slash character?

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Answer 2

zarandok33 Author

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Dec 9, 2014 2:14 PM in response to Linc Davis

Yes, but they were not originally like this, they were regular .txt-s, after deleting them, they got this /zone.identifier extension, and now I can't rename them, because I get the error -43. Weird :/

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Answer 3

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Dec 9, 2014 3:31 PM in response to zarandok33

This procedure may save you from having to erase the volume, if you're comfortable with the shell.

In a Terminal window, enter "mv " (without the quotes, but with the trailing space.) Drag one of the files you can't delete or rename into the window. The path to the file will be entered automatically. Backspace until the slash has been removed from the name, then add an asterisk (*). Type a space, then type "foo". Press return. The file should be renamed to "foo". Try to empty the Trash. If that file is deleted, repeat with the others.

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Answer 4

zarandok33 Author

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Dec 10, 2014 3:54 AM in response to Linc Davis

Well, weird things keep happening. Today I woke up, turned on my mac and realized that the trash is empty. I mean, ***? Maybe renaming the Notes folder was helpful, but anyway, the files are gone, although I didn't do anything except for renaming the folder itself. It's just freaking weird. Anyway, thanks for your help man!

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Answer 5

zarandok33 Author

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Dec 13, 2014 4:46 AM in response to zarandok33

Ok, now they are BACK! I don't know how, but after a few restarts, they are back in the trash again, and can't be emptied. Tried what you just suggested, I get a "no such file or directory" message in terminal. :/

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Answer 6

Linc Davis

Level 10

209,547 points

Dec 14, 2014 8:20 AM in response to zarandok33

Start up in Recovery mode, launch Disk Utility, select the startup volume ("Macintosh HD," unless you gave it a different name), and run Repair Disk (not Repair Permissions.) If any problems are found, repeat. Then restart as usual.

If you don't already have a current backup, you must back up your data before you take the above step. You may be able to back up, even if the system isn't fully functional. Ask if you need guidance.

Directory corruption in a MacOS journaled volume is always the result of a drive malfunction. It's not caused by power failures, system crashes, or anything else. You might choose to tolerate such a malfunction once in the life of a drive. If it's repeated, the drive must be replaced, or there is some other hardware fault that needs to be corrected. Ignoring repeated directory errors will result in data loss.

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