Problem deleting locked file

jayluna · Aug 6, 2006

Heres the problem. I pulled a folder, that i had created, off the mp3 player unaware that this folder somehow became locked. I tried deleting it and it wouldn't because it was locked. I did a search through the forums, and with little luck came up on a few past post with the similar problem. Unfortunately going through the folder get info option and unchecking the lock file option wasn't possible. I tried my second option; giving myself read & write permissions, i already had them.

I really want this file off my desktop and into my trash so i can delete it.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks,

trpnmonkey41 · Aug 6, 2006

Open up terminal

cd Desktop - Then hit enter
rm filename.mp3 - then hit enter

if that doesn't do it put

sudo rm filename.mp3 -then hit enter
it will ask for your admin password

jayluna · Aug 6, 2006

trpnmonkey41 said:
Open up terminal

cd Desktop - Then hit enter
rm filename.mp3 - then hit enter

if that doesn't do it put

sudo rm filename.mp3 -then hit enter
it will ask for your admin password

thanks man, i appreciate it but its not an mp3 file. i ment to say its a folder

coach_z · Aug 7, 2006

press shift+command+option+delete
-chris

jayluna · Aug 7, 2006

coach_z said:
press shift+command+option+delete
-chris

Tried, nothing. thanks though.

i appreciate it.

trpnmonkey41 · Aug 7, 2006

Type
sudo rm -r
like i have there, then drag the folder into the terminal window, it will fill out the path information
hit enter, put in your admin password and hit enter

rman · Aug 7, 2006

I believe that option empty trash will remove the locked file/folder.

Zimkiwi · Mar 28, 2012

delete locked file, MAC lion

rman said:
I believe that option empty trash will remove the locked file/folder.

I had the same issue and tried everything with no luck. Finally I found the solution here on Mac-Forums. whats missing though is that once you enter the terminal tip sudo rm filename and the press enter. enter your admin password (the letters will not appear) and press enter. Then you get a prompt asking you a question (can't remember what it all says) anyway type the word yes and press enter. The file should be deleted.
It worked for me so hope it helps