Empty trash

My MacbookPro seems to be set to "secure Empty Trash" default. I can't delete files individually. My trash folder never gets emptied, even if I click "Empty Trash" or "Secure Empty Trash". So I have a lot of sensitive files floating around in the trash bin..Help!

Not sure why nothing gets emptied. But if you're wanting to delete individual files that are already in the Trash one at a time, you can't do that. You can in Windows, but not in Mac OSX.

I will rummage around on my Mac later to see if I can offer a suggestion - unless someone else solves it for you in the meantime.

Go to Finder > Preferences > Advanced > make sure "Empty Trash securely" is unchecked.

No... I try to delete individual files from a folder-- I click "MOve to Trash", it disappears from my folder and appears in TRASH. But all the files in TRASH can't be deleted!! I tried right-clicking my mouse over the trash icon and clicked EMPTY TRASH. Then I got a pop-up asking me to click SECURE EMPTY TRASH.
I clicked THAT and the bar started scrolling saying "Emptying trash". But when I looked in the Trash bin all the files were still there.

vansmith said:

Go to Finder > Preferences > Advanced > make sure "Empty Trash securely" is unchecked.

Click to expand...

There. That's what I was going to look for. Did that solve the problem?

And if no joy have you tried a reboot?

Empty trash solved!!

toMACsh said:

There. That's what I was going to look for. Did that solve the problem?

Click to expand...

IT WORKED! You are my hero. THANKS!!!

Well, let's give credit where credit is due!

vansmith said:

Go to Finder > Preferences > Advanced > make sure "Empty Trash securely" is unchecked.

Click to expand...

empty trash solved!!

Oh..sorry.. I am new at this. Should i be thanking someone else..vansmith?
whoever you are, THANK YOU!