OS 10.5 - Can't empty the trash

drorbn2000 · drorbn2000 #1 (**permalink**)

03-16-2008, 07:56 AM

When I choose "Empty Trash" in the trash window, the trash window closes, the sound of the emptying trash is heard, but the items aren't deleted.
(No message appears, the window just closes)

I have 11 GB in the trash that I can't delete!

Please help.

Chilbear · Chilbear #2 (**permalink**)

03-16-2008, 09:36 AM

Try holding the Option or control key down then hit Empty Trash - it is called a secure erase I believe.

MacHeadCase · MacHeadCase #3 (**permalink**)

03-16-2008, 09:56 AM

Check out the links in the Similar Threads list below your thread in this page. A forum search would have led you to those threads. At least two of those threads would probably answer your question.

GroovyLinuxGuy · GroovyLinuxGuy #4 (**permalink**)

03-16-2008, 10:35 AM

Open a terminal and type the following

rm -r -i /Users/yourusername/.Trash/*

That will allow you to confirm what you are deleting.

If you don't want to bother with confirming, then just remove the "-i" from the above command.

cheers

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OS 10.5 - Can't empty the trash

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drorbn2000 #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Feb 15, 2008 Posts: 32	03-16-2008, 07:56 AM When I choose "Empty Trash" in the trash window, the trash window closes, the sound of the emptying trash is heard, but the items aren't deleted. (No message appears, the window just closes) I have 11 GB in the trash that I can't delete! Please help.
	QUOTE Thanks

Chilbear #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Jun 14, 2007 Location: Toronto Posts: 574 Mac Specs: 2xiMac24 w Parallels 6 (1x White, 1x Aluminum), iPhone 3GS with iOS5	03-16-2008, 09:36 AM Try holding the Option or control key down then hit Empty Trash - it is called a secure erase I believe.
	QUOTE Thanks

GroovyLinuxGuy #4 (permalink)
Member Since: Apr 02, 2006 Location: Edmonton, Canada Posts: 125 Mac Specs: 15" MacBook Pro, 12" iBook G4, 14" iBook G4 running Ubuntu 7.10	03-16-2008, 10:35 AM Open a terminal and type the following rm -r -i /Users/yourusername/.Trash/* That will allow you to confirm what you are deleting. If you don't want to bother with confirming, then just remove the "-i" from the above command. cheers
	QUOTE Thanks

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