Permanently deleting files from SanDisk Cruzer Mini 1GB

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Level 1

125 points

Permanently deleting files from SanDisk Cruzer Mini 1GB

Hey everybody, I just purchased my MacBook and am loving it so far. My question is regarding my SanDisk Cruzer Mini flash drive. I am using it to transfer files from my PC to my new MacBook and it seems that when I delete a file while my flash drive is connected to my Mac it appears to be deleted (meaning I don't see the file anymore), but it really isn't completely deleted because I don't gain any more space on the flash drive when I delete files. Then, when I put it back in my PC a folder appears that doesn't show up on my Mac, a .Trashes folder, and it has all my deleted files in it. So if I delete that folder, with all of its files, then I gain all the space back. I don't plan on keeping my PC around and I was wondering how I permanently delete files from this flash drive if I am only using it on my Mac? Thanks in advance.

Heath

MacBook, Mac OS X (10.4.8)

Posted on Jan 20, 2007 12:05 AM

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Answer 1

Jan 20, 2007 1:50 AM in response to heed91

How are you 'deleting' the files on your mac? It sounds like you may be putting the files in the Trash but not emptying the it. This may explain why you are seeing the hidden trash file when you put the flash drive into your PC.

Both mac and pc have hidden system files that you dont necessarily see by default when you access the drive but on the 'non native' machine you will see them.

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Answer 2

heed91 Author

Level 1

125 points

Jan 20, 2007 12:47 PM in response to Andrew Bristow

I just click on the file(s) that I want to delete and then push 'command + delete' on my keyboard. I wouldn't think that it should matter if I empty the trash on my computer or not since the flash drive is totally separate from my computers drive. I could see that the files would then be on my computer, albeit in the trash, but whey can I not fully get them off my flash drive unless I have it plugged into a PC? I will try deleting a file from my flash drive while it is plugged into my MacBook, and then empty the trash while it is still plugged in and see if I gain any extra space on my drive. Thanks

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Answer 3

Jan 20, 2007 10:02 PM in response to heed91

While the flash drive is a separate drive from your Mac, your Mac still treats it and its files and trashed files exactly the same as if they were on your internal HD. You will not actually delete those files until the trash is emptied.

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Answer 4

R. Berardi

Level 4

2,035 points

Jan 31, 2007 7:52 AM in response to Eric Kracinski

yep, every device gets it's "own trash" - so if you eject the drive, it will take its trash with it (and it won't be in your trash can anymore.

just pop the drive back in, and empty your trashcan.

or you could reformat it using disk utility.

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