Question

Unable to Empty Trash... 'file in use...' message? Apple MAC 'Tiger Os'

Asked by: RobertoFreemano

Hi Experts,

I have a Mac G5 and have moved a folder to the 'Trash'. When trying to empty the bin... I get a message...

Message = "The operation cannot be completed because the item "Books" is in use."

continued...
This message appears after I abort the message with another file in use....


Actions performed:

1. searched for "books" in Spotlight... [result] =  it only shows me an empty folder in the Bin.
2. checked 'Activity Monitor' for anything unusual running... [result] = nothing unsual.

Help

Cheers,
Roberto

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Asked On
2007-07-15 at 07:44:56ID22697247
Tags

trash

,

empty

,

mac

,

use

,

file

Topics

Apple Desktop

,

Mac OS 10.4 (Tiger)

Participating Experts
3
Points
125
Comments
5

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Answers

 

by: sibgigPosted on 2007-07-15 at 11:07:54ID: 19491180

have you tried a simple reboot of the machine then try to empty the trash again?

 

by: RobertoFreemanoPosted on 2007-07-15 at 13:49:52ID: 19491858

Yes... that's the first thing I tried...

I even downloaded 'Tiger cache cleaner'... which didn't work either :(

 

by: JuanLucasPosted on 2007-07-15 at 17:46:11ID: 19492524

- Try to do a permissions repair:
    -close every running application
    -run Applications->Utilities->Disk Utility
    -select your system disk in the left side of the window
    -click on Reapir Permissions
    -reboot and try to emty the bin

If this does no work try with the terminal:
     -run Applications->Utilitties->Terminal
     -type: "cd ~/.Trash" (without quotes) and press Enter
     -type: "ls -a" and press Enter, you should see a list of what you have in the bin, if you see also the Books direcory then go on wit the other steps, else nothing to do, simply quit the Terminal
     -type: "rm -R Books" and press Enter, if this removes the folder then quit the Terminal, if you get an error you can try with "sudo rm -R Books" (when you press Enter you will be asked for your user pasword)

I hope one of these works...

 

by: sibgigPosted on 2007-07-15 at 19:31:40ID: 19492782

i would also try booting into safe mode and try emptying from there as well.

Mac OS X: Starting up in Safe Mode:
http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=107393

 

by: eoinosullivanPosted on 2007-07-16 at 02:08:26ID: 19493838

Hold down the Option key when clicking Empty Trash in the File Menu

20120131-EE-VQP-002

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