Can't empty trash

Col.Bojank · Col.Bojank #1 (**permalink**)

02-11-2010, 07:06 PM

I was moving some files from an old OS X harddrive pulled from a G3 ibook and i put some of the files in the trash. Now there is a folder labeled "documents" than i can remove. It stays there when I empty.

If I right-click on it, it's not locked and it says I can read and write. When I right-click on it, I can't put it back or remove/restore it.

I've also tried
sudo rm -rf .Trash

It's still there. Ideas?

clayneal · clayneal #2 (**permalink**)

02-11-2010, 07:08 PM

Try mounting the old drive and then emptying the trash while it is still mounted.

Hope this helps
Clay

Chris H. · Chris H. #3 (**permalink**)

02-11-2010, 07:10 PM

Have you tried "Secure Empty Trash" in the Finder menu?

TattooedMac · TattooedMac #4 (**permalink**)

02-11-2010, 07:11 PM

Maybe this ...

Col.Bojank · Col.Bojank #5 (**permalink**)

02-11-2010, 07:13 PM

When I try secure empty trash I get:

"The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “documents” can’t be read or written.
(Error code -36)"

There is nothing in the folder and the old drive has been erased.

Chris H. · Chris H. #6 (**permalink**)

02-11-2010, 07:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Col.Bojank

When I try secure empty trash I get:

"The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “documents” can’t be read or written.
(Error code -36)"

There is nothing in the folder and the old drive has been erased.

Go with clayneals post. That might do the trick, especially if Secure Empty Trash didn't work.

Col.Bojank · Col.Bojank #7 (**permalink**)

02-11-2010, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris H.

Go with clayneals post. That might do the trick, especially if Secure Empty Trash didn't work.

Like I said earlier, that drive has been erased. I'll try anyway.

Edit: That didn't work either.

Col.Bojank · Col.Bojank #8 (**permalink**)

02-11-2010, 07:33 PM

Repaired permissions and rebooted. I was able to empty after that.

Thanks for your ideas. I wasn't aware that there was even a secure erase.

clayneal #2 (permalink)
Member Since: Mar 27, 2009 Location: Lincoln Nebraska Posts: 2,146 Mac Specs: late 08 macbook 2.0 4gig 320hdd10.7.3 32 gig iPhone 4s	02-11-2010, 07:08 PM Try mounting the old drive and then emptying the trash while it is still mounted. Hope this helps Clay MY ADVICE COMES WITH A DOUBLE YOUR MONEY BACK GUARANTEE!
	QUOTE Thanks

TattooedMac #4 (permalink)
Member Since: May 19, 2009 Location: Waiting for a mate . . . Posts: 6,564 Mac Specs: 13"MBP 2.9Ghz Intel Core i7 10.8.3 ~ iPhone5 6.1.3 ~ iPad Mini 6.1.3 ~ ATV2 5.2.1	02-11-2010, 07:11 PM Maybe this ... Dont forget to use the Reputation System if someone has helped you out !!! Arguing with a zealot is only slightly easier than tunneling through a mountain with your forehead!!!!! "Can't innovate any more, my ***" Phil Schiller
	QUOTE Thanks

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Col.Bojank #1 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 27, 2010 Posts: 8	02-11-2010, 07:06 PM I was moving some files from an old OS X harddrive pulled from a G3 ibook and i put some of the files in the trash. Now there is a folder labeled "documents" than i can remove. It stays there when I empty. If I right-click on it, it's not locked and it says I can read and write. When I right-click on it, I can't put it back or remove/restore it. I've also tried sudo rm -rf .Trash It's still there. Ideas?
	QUOTE Thanks

Col.Bojank #5 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 27, 2010 Posts: 8	02-11-2010, 07:13 PM When I try secure empty trash I get: "The Finder can’t complete the operation because some data in “documents” can’t be read or written. (Error code -36)" There is nothing in the folder and the old drive has been erased.
	QUOTE Thanks

Col.Bojank #8 (permalink)
Member Since: Jan 27, 2010 Posts: 8	02-11-2010, 07:33 PM Repaired permissions and rebooted. I was able to empty after that. Thanks for your ideas. I wasn't aware that there was even a secure erase.
	QUOTE Thanks

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