Emptying the trash

[timkins]

When I try to empty the trash on my MAC I get a message that says:
ID=67571197.20 Can't be opened right now because it's being used by another task, such as moving
or copying an item or emptying the trash. Try again when current task is complete.
SKIP STOP CONTINUE
The only way I can now empty the trash is to open the trash file and individually right click on the item and hit "delete immediately" which is becoming a pain in the neck.
How do I get it back to normal?
I am running mac OS Catalina 10.15.2
3.1 GHZ Quad Core Intel I56 with 8 GB DDR 3 memory

 

[MBAmtloin]

is an external HD plugged in?
maybe a program is using that, i would shut down all programs, then clean the trash

 

[timkins]

No external HD. Tried closing all programs and shutting down but it did not work. Thanks for the suggestion.

 

[timkins]

I think you were correct. I Googled the problem and they said to restart the computer which I did and it appears to be OK now. I just did not go far enough with your suggestion. Thank you.

 

[toMACsh]

How many ways have you tried to empty the Trash?
There are at least two methods, if not more.

 

[Slydude]

I think what happens sometimes is that the program or process using the file in question is finished with a file but the OS doesn't know it rebooting the computer solves that problem. As to why the program/rocess in question didn't release things properly that's anybody's guess. If it happens once in a while it's probably just a glitch.

MBAmotion idea to shut down all programs usually works.