Can't Quit OS Installation

[rmathewson]

I have the Catalina install package that I can't force to quit sitting in my trash.
Suggestions on how to get this out?

Running Big Sur on a 2014 iMac.

 

[Slydude]

What happens when you try to empty the trash?

 

[Rod]

I cant say I've ever had a problem deleting an macOS installer, unless it's running. Try restarting the Mac and attempt to empty the Trash again.
If that doesn't work or the Installer prevents Shut Down or Restart try Force Quit from the Apple Menu.

 

[rmathewson]

The installer isn't available in the Force Quit list.

What happens when you try to empty the trash?

When I attempt to empty the trash a message says the application is running and can't be deleted.

 

[rmathewson]

I cant say I've ever had a problem deleting an macOS installer, unless it's running. Try restarting the Mac and attempt to empty the Trash again.
If that doesn't work or the Installer prevents Shut Down or Restart try Force Quit from the Apple Menu.

View attachment 40400

The installer isn't listed as a running application in Force Quit.

 

[rmathewson]

So far, I've tried the following:

• Tried Running the Installer - Can't because my iMac is too old
• Moved to trash and emptied the trash - Can't do it. The OS thinks the installer is running
• Tried Force Quit - The installer doesn't appear to be running
• Re-installed a new copy to overwrite the old one, then restarted - no change
• Used CleanMyMac to try to delete the installer - no effect
  

 

[MacBiter]

So far, I've tried the following:

• Tried Running the Installer - Can't because my iMac is too old
• Moved to trash and emptied the trash - Can't do it. The OS thinks the installer is running
• Tried Force Quit - The installer doesn't appear to be running
• Re-installed a new copy to overwrite the old one, then restarted - no change
• Used CleanMyMac to try to delete the installer - no effect

View attachment 40426

Have you tried EITHER using the appropriate ‘sudo’ command in Terminal (sorry, you'll have to look up which one), OR creating a root user account and trying to trash it within that?.

 

[Rod]

The installer isn't listed as a running application in Force Quit.

In which case try Force Quitting the Finder. Or in the worst case Force Shut Down;
press and hold the Control (Ctrl), Option (⌥), and Command (⌘) keys along with the Power button simultaneously.
This combination attempts to safely close all open applications before shutting down the Mac. If this does not work, you can try pressing and holding the Control (Ctrl) and Command (⌘) keys along with the Power button for a few extra seconds.