can't delete file from the desktop

havok416 · Nov 30, 2002

I've got a file on my desktop created by IE when I was trying to download something. I cancelled the download, but the file is still there.

When I try to delete it, I get an error tellimg me that "the file is being used by another task right now" and "Try again when the other task is completed"

Only thing is, there is no other task. IE is closed, and I've even rebooted. I still can't delete this thing. I'm running 10.2.2.

Can anyone help?

bousozoku · Nov 30, 2002

Start Internet Exploder, go to Download Manager, find the download that pertains to the file, and delete it.

That should remove the file.

dutchmaster · Nov 30, 2002

deleting installer file

I had the same problem in 10.1 after installing a photoshop 7 'beta'. Even after deleting the 'beta' it wouldn't let me trash it. Finally when i upgraded to Jaguar (10.2) it disappeared. thankfully. it was an ugly icon.

havok416 · Nov 30, 2002

I gave it a shot, and the file is gone from the download window... but not from the desktop! This is too strange. I might have to get some unix friends to delete this thing from the terminal or something...

BenderBot1138 · Nov 30, 2002

Search and Destroy

Try using a little utility called Force Delete from Version Tracker.

I've never had a problem using the Force Delete program, but I'm sure there are plenty of other programs too.

havok416 · Nov 30, 2002

that did the trick! thanks!

GeeYouEye · Dec 1, 2002

for those who want to use the terminal:

sudo rm /Users/<yourusername>/Desktop/<filename>

and enter your password at the prompt.

MacBandit · Dec 1, 2002

I've had this problem at times usually all I have to do is logout and back in and then it will let me delete it.

Sometimes I can't even move or select the file until I logout and back in.

Search

Search

can't delete file from the desktop

havok416

macrumors newbie

bousozoku

Moderator emeritus

dutchmaster

macrumors newbie

havok416

macrumors newbie

BenderBot1138

macrumors 6502

havok416

macrumors newbie

GeeYouEye

macrumors 68000

MacBandit

macrumors 604

Our Staff