Author Topic: Can't completely empty trash  (Read 2510 times)

Offline Bbob

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Can't completely empty trash
« on: September 10, 2009, 05:09:28 PM »
A friend installed Sys 10.6 and now wants to empty trash that contains old system folders. Everything is deleted except for old sys folders. Option/Empty Trash won't work. I did a Techsurvivors search but couldn't find any help.

Help?

Offline Texas Mac Man

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Can't completely empty trash
« Reply #1 on: September 10, 2009, 05:29:31 PM »
Don't know why it won't empty. Boot up using the SL installer & empty trash; should work.
Cheers, Tom

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Offline daryl66

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Can't completely empty trash
« Reply #2 on: September 10, 2009, 06:17:59 PM »
QUOTE(Texas Mac Man @ Sep 10 2009, 05:29 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>
Don't know why it won't empty. Boot up using the SL installer & empty trash; should work.


If all else fails, "Cocktail" has an option that will force the trash to empty. It works every time.

Daryl
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Offline Al

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Can't completely empty trash
« Reply #3 on: September 10, 2009, 06:32:53 PM »
It's probably not flushing because for some reason the new system is using something from the old system folder and trash should be stating that.  That cocktail suggestion sounds good.
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Offline Bbob

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Can't completely empty trash
« Reply #4 on: September 10, 2009, 09:18:37 PM »
I won't see him until Monday so won't have an answer until then. Thanks for suggestions.


Offline Bbob

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Can't completely empty trash
« Reply #5 on: September 14, 2009, 05:06:55 PM »
I found trash emptying software at Version Tracker.com. One of these has GOTTA work.
At least three of them worked on my Sys 10.4

http://tinyurl.com/pklx9c

Offline jchuzi

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Can't completely empty trash
« Reply #6 on: September 14, 2009, 07:55:53 PM »
Have those apps been updated for 10.6? I was going to suggest a command in Terminal but I don't know if it still is OK. For those interested:

1. Type sudo rm -rf (leave a space after sudo, after rm and after -rf).
2. Drag the offending item into the Terminal window; the path to it will appear.
3. Press Return and type your administrator password. It will appear as if nothing is happening but that's a security measure to prevent onlookers from reading your password.
4. Press Return again.
5. Type exit, press Return, and quit Terminal.

I assume that those apps do the same thing via a script but everyone should be warned: A typo in Terminal can be dangerous and that command (#1 above) is one of the most dangerous things that you can do if you don't do it right.

Does anyone know if that command works in 10.6?
Jon

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