Deleting a protected file

I

iKwak

macrumors member

Original poster

• Sep 2, 2005

• #1

I have a folder that contains .rtf files.
When I put the folder to trash and try deleting it,

"The operation cannot be completed because the item "File Name" is locked."



How can you empty the trash? Thank you in advance.
OS: Panther 10.3.9

 

Mitthrawnuruodo

Moderator emeritus

• Sep 2, 2005

• #2

Well if it's locked, then unlock it... 🙂

Or hold the shift and option key down while emptying... as suggested in the article... 😉

 

yellow

Moderator emeritus

• Sep 2, 2005

• #3

Or you can try and use "Secure Erase" to empty the trash.

 

belvdr

macrumors 603

• Sep 2, 2005

• #4

Secure Erase only adds the additional feature of erasing a file so it cannot be retrieved again, not the ability to delete locked files. Of course, you can always do a Secure Erase with shift down.

 

yellow

Moderator emeritus

• Sep 6, 2005

• #5

Yep, you're right, I thought 'secure deletion' would override a locked file, but it complains that the file 'is in use'.