I can't unlock a folder on OS X

[MacLover2011]

I am using OS X Sierra 10.12.6. I have a very large folder that has been locked since 2011. It was created on 2011 and modified on 2012. I want to unlock it so I can delete it. However, I can't. When I choose Get Info the Locked button is greyed out and checked. When I click the log on the bottom of the get info box it unlocks it but the rest remains locked. Any suggestions?

Thanks

 

[lclev]

Do you have any idea what the folder contains? What they are makes a difference as to why they are locked. Here are some links to suggestions you can try:

https://superuser.com/questions/124...nnot-be-unlocked-by-clearing-immutable-bit-on

https://superuser.com/questions/40749/command-to-unlock-locked-files-on-os-x

Using the chflag command might get the job done. Others suggest disabling SIP first. Do some reading and see what fits your situation then give the suggestions a try.

Lisa

 

[MacLover2011]

Do you have any idea what the folder contains? What they are makes a difference as to why they are locked. Here are some links to suggestions you can try:

https://superuser.com/questions/124...nnot-be-unlocked-by-clearing-immutable-bit-on

https://superuser.com/questions/40749/command-to-unlock-locked-files-on-os-x

Using the chflag command might get the job done. Others suggest disabling SIP first. Do some reading and see what fits your situation then give the suggestions a try.

Lisa

The files are images that I did photo restoration on. So there are many tiffs and jpegs...

 

[lclev]

I would try what the articles suggest. Turn off SIP and use the terminal commands detailed in the link I posted.

Lisa

 

[chscag]

Or.... Log on as a Root user and toss it in the trash forever. But be careful if you implement the Root user as it even allows system files to be removed.

 

[pm-r]

When I click the log on the bottom of the get info box it unlocks it but the rest remains locked. Any suggestions?

Did you try clicking the gear icon at the bottom and then select the "Apply to enclosed items…", or are you not allowed?

Or can you add yourself to the users permissions list while it's open???




- Patrick
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[MacLover2011]

I'm so frustrated!!! I still can't get this file unlocked!!! It's been years!!! It has about 20 GB if photographs in it! I want to get rid of it! What the **** did I do to get this stuck like this?

 

[pm-r]

I'm so frustrated!!! I still can't get this file unlocked!!! It's been years!!! It has about 20 GB if photographs in it! I want to get rid of it! What the **** did I do to get this stuck like this?

Maybe try moving the file or the folder it's in to another volume/partition and using Get Info on that volume, set the option box to ignore permissions.
Doing so may allow you to open the file.

Do you get any sort of message or anything as to why you can't open the file?

What is the file type?
Have you tried the right-click, open with… option?
Have you tried drag and drop onto an application icon that should be able to open it?

Just some options to try if you haven't tried them already.


PS: that's quite some file to be 20 GB in size.






- Patrick
======

 

[badshoehabit]

Do you HAVE to unlock it before deleting? Have you tried dragging it to the trash?

Other delete/unlock suggestions here: