Cannot delete from applications folder

Question

Cannot delete from applications folder

Having a problem deleting any app from the Applications folder. I'm using El Capitan 10.11.6.

If I try and drag any application to trash or Command-delete, I get the message "The item 'whatever' can't be moved to the Trash because some of its extensions are in use".

I can delete if I use Option-Command-Delete and enter my password.

So far I've tried:

Restarting

First aid in Disk Utility

Same but from recovery mode

Repairing permissions through terminal

Checked that the app doesn't actually have any processes running

Opened app contents and deleted plugins.

Any ideas?

Posted on Sep 16, 2016 8:15 PM

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Answer 1

babowa

Level 9

78,574 points

Sep 16, 2016 8:51 PM in response to Kevin Godfrey

Exactly which app(s) are you trying to delete?

FWIW, any app installed along with the OS should not be deleted.

Some third party apps need to be uninstalled using their own uninstaller.

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Answer 2

Sep 16, 2016 9:26 PM in response to babowa

I'm trying to delete a few old video apps, none of which have uninstallers. However I get the exact same message no matter what app I try to delete.

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Answer 3

babowa

Level 9

78,574 points

Sep 16, 2016 9:39 PM in response to Kevin Godfrey

If you installed them by dragging them to the Applications folder, they can be deleted by dragging to the trash. If they used their installers, you will need to use their directions to uninstall.

See if you can stop their activity in Activity Monitor (Applications > Utilities) and/or launch the app and then quit it by using Command + Q.

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Answer 4

Sep 16, 2016 9:45 PM in response to babowa

No, they cannot be dragged to trash. That is my problem. I know that is how it is supposed to work.

Like I said, I've checked for running processes, there are none.

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Answer 5

léonie

Level 10

200,723 points

Sep 17, 2016 3:03 AM in response to Kevin Godfrey

Which application exactly is giving this error message?

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Answer 6

HaraldS

Level 2

391 points

Sep 17, 2016 8:33 AM in response to Kevin Godfrey

Got to System Preferences > Extensions and see, whether an Extension from that app has been selected. Deselect by clicking.

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Answer 7

Sep 17, 2016 4:12 PM in response to léonie

This is in Finder.

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Answer 8

Sep 17, 2016 4:13 PM in response to HaraldS

There are 0 extensions installed.

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Answer 9

KiltedTim

Level 10

227,532 points

Sep 17, 2016 4:17 PM in response to Kevin Godfrey

EXACTLY what applications are you experiencing this problem with? Have you checked the developer(s) web-site(s) for instructions on how to remove them?

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Answer 10

Sep 18, 2016 3:27 AM in response to KiltedTim

I'm trying to use Finder to remove an application called FileZilla. Usually I would just drag it to trash, or Command-Delete. But neither of these work, I get the error message I mentioned in the OP.

I strongly doubt the actual application I'm trying to delete is causing the problem, because I experience the exact same problem when trying to delete any application in the /Applications folder. Every app in that folder behaves the same way.

As a test, I just installed iTranslate through the app store. Then tried to delete it, but the same problem, even though I have never run it.

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Answer 11

babowa

Level 9

78,574 points

Sep 18, 2016 8:25 AM in response to Kevin Godfrey

Have you tried Activity Monitor to force quit any process involving that app? I have no experience with FTP, but it would be logical for that to have bits and pieces installed in many locations in order to do what it is intended for. I would contact their development team and ask for uninstall instructions on a Mac (since their install notes are all for Windows). I would also check your User Library > Preferences for any .plists for the app and drag those to the trash.

I cannot think of any other reason why you are not able to delete those. If it is annoying enough and there is no easy answer, I'd consider making a backup, erase the hard drive, and reinstall from scratch.

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Answer 12

leroydouglas

Level 10

200,178 points

Sep 18, 2016 9:01 PM in response to Kevin Godfrey

FileZilla is just like any other application. I suspect you have a permissions problems on your account.

You can try boot into Recovery (command R) to access Disk Utility> and run the Disk FirstAid on your Macintosh HD. Recovery http://support.apple.com/kb/HT4718

If that does not resolve your issue.

I would try Reset home folder permissions and ACLs

see ref: Reset Home Folder permissions and ACLs Error

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Answer 13

babowa

Level 9

78,574 points

Sep 18, 2016 11:58 AM in response to leroydouglas

I would try Reset home folder permissions and ACLs

Can you still do it that way in El Capitan? I thought you need to do it using Terminal (from the recovery partition):

https://discussions.apple.com/thread/7292563?start=0&tstart=0

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Answer 14

Sep 18, 2016 12:20 PM in response to Kevin Godfrey

Download AppCleaner. https://freemacsoft.net/appcleaner/

Drag FileZilla to the AppCleaner window. It will show all files used by FileZilla. Use this list to force quit in Activity Monitor. If you can quit all then, you should be able to remove in AppCleaner. If it still gives you a problem with "in use" you can restart in Safe boot mode then use AppCleaner to remove all traces of FileZilla.

Safe boot

* shutdown

* start the Mac and *wait* for the startup chime to sound

* after the sound, press and hold down the shift key

* keep holding and *wait* until the grey  Apple logo appears

* now release the shift key and just wait (it could take a few minutes)

* eventually the login screen appears with the words SAFE BOOT

* continue to login to see if the problem goes away.

OS X El Capitan: safe mode

https://support.apple.com/kb/PH22046

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Answer 15

Sep 18, 2016 9:03 PM in response to leroydouglas

Pretty much what I think. Neither of those had any effect at all, it's very strange.

I don't think it's annoying enough to reinstall OSX, so I'll put up with it for now.

Thanks all for the help.

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