HT201583: You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash

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oneearthimages

Q: cannot move to trash in finder

Since installing OSX 10.11.4 I cannot move a file to trash in the finder. The only option that comes up when I select "move to trash" is

"Are you sure you want to delete [filename]" - and a "yes" deletes the file.

I want to move files to trash like I always have and delete them when I empty the trash. This is a safety net that is totally missing now.

 

I've checked permissions and the other suggestions found in your forum and nothing solves the issue.

 

Appears to be something related to 10.11.4.

Power Mac G4 (QuickSilver 2002), Mac OS X (10.6.8)

Posted on May 9, 2016 9:35 PM

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Q: cannot move to trash in finder

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  • Helpful answers

  • by Carolyn Samit,Solvedanswer

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit May 9, 2016 9:39 PM in response to oneearthimages
    Level 10 (122,026 points)
    Apple Music
    May 9, 2016 9:39 PM in response to oneearthimages

    In the Finder, right or control click a file then click:  Move to Trash

     

    Then you can empty the Trash when you want.

  • by oneearthimages,

    oneearthimages oneearthimages May 9, 2016 10:02 PM in response to Carolyn Samit
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Audio
    May 9, 2016 10:02 PM in response to Carolyn Samit

    Did you read my post?

     

    Selecting "move to trash" does not give me that option - I can only delete the file directly.

  • by Carolyn Samit,

    Carolyn Samit Carolyn Samit May 9, 2016 10:20 PM in response to oneearthimages
    Level 10 (122,026 points)
    Apple Music
    May 9, 2016 10:20 PM in response to oneearthimages

    Ok, just making sure.


    "Since installing OS 10.11.4"

     

     

    A Safe Mode boot deletes system caches that may help after an OS X update or upgrade.

     

     

    Top left corner of your screen click the  Apple   > Shut Down.

     

    After your Mac shuts down, wait 10 seconds, then press the power button.

     

    Immediately after you hear the startup tone, hold down the Shift key. You should press the Shift key as soon as possible after you hear the startup tone, but not before.

     

    Release the Shift key when you see the gray Apple logo and progress indicator.

     

     

    Once you are in Safe Mode, go back to the Apple menu. From the drop down menu click:  Restart


    Then try moving a file from the Finder to the Trash.

     

     

     

     

    About Safe Mode

  • by Grant Bennet-Alder,

    Grant Bennet-Alder Grant Bennet-Alder May 10, 2016 9:07 AM in response to oneearthimages
    Level 9 (60,909 points)
    Desktops
    May 10, 2016 9:07 AM in response to oneearthimages

    "The Trash" is a fairly elaborate abstraction that can sprawl over multiple drives and across a Network and can get MUCH more complicated in certain situations.

     

    If you are using a Drive that is "Shared" onto your local network by enabling File Sharing on it, items you drag to Trash will not be placed in the Trash can, but will be deleted immediately.

     

    In this case, you can create a new folder on the Shared drive, name it something like "Trash Soon" and maintain it yourself.

  • by oneearthimages,

    oneearthimages oneearthimages May 10, 2016 10:47 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder
    Level 1 (4 points)
    Audio
    May 10, 2016 10:47 AM in response to Grant Bennet-Alder

    Network share was the reason.

     

    Checking "ignore ownership of this drive" allowed moving to trash to work as expected. Since this is a home, single user network that is an OK solution.

     

    Thank you for the tip.