Big problem with deleting files from external...

[Advil]

Hey guys, I have a 500GB external Seagate HD that I have in two partitions, one for Time Machine and one for random media stuff. I was cleaning it out today and realized that when I delete things, it doesn't give me the space back on the hard drive. I've experienced this same problem with a USB drive that I use to transfer files from one computer to another, and it doesn't work unless I use disk utility to "Erase" the drive, then add what i need.

I can't afford to erase the drive (not enough room to put it all on the MBP) and am starting to need my space back from the deleted files, how can I do this without ruining the files already on my partition?

 

[maflynn]

Dumb question but do you empty the trash when you're done deleting?

 

[scottness]

Dumb question but do you empty the trash when you're done deleting?

Excellent question. This simple step eludes a lot of people.

 

[Advil]

....i'm so embarrassed...


i had no idea that would matter! back on Windows (i recently converted) it deleted the file from the usb drive/external as soon as i hit delete.

 

[scottness]

....i'm so embarrassed...


i had no idea that would matter! back on Windows (i recently converted) it deleted the file from the usb drive/external as soon as i hit delete.

No worries. I once replaced a printer I thought was broke--later found out that the paper cartridge was empty. Now THAT was embarrassing.