Cannot delete PDF file in trash

[Irock619]

I have a PDF file in my trash and when i try to delete it I get a message that says the file is in use. I obviously have the file closed and in my trash, so how can it be in use? Any advice? Thanks!

 

[SlyMac]

I have a PDF file in my trash and when i try to delete it I get a message that says the file is in use. I obviously have the file closed and in my trash, so how can it be in use? Any advice? Thanks!

Did you try restarting first and then emptying the trash bin? If that doesn't work, use a force (hold option key while selecting empty).

Last ditch effort:

Open terminal and type the following

sudo rm -rf ~/.Trash/

Then hit enter. It should ask for a admin password, then enter. ****This can cause a loss of data so use as last resort and back up first.****

 

[GGJstudios]

You may find some useful ideas here:

You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash
Solving Trash Problems
Can't move files to trash
Can't Empty Trash on a Mac

 

[Irock619]

You may find some useful ideas here:

You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash
Solving Trash Problems
Can't move files to trash
Can't Empty Trash on a Mac

The terminal command worked. Do you know why this happens in OSX? I never had this problem back when I used windows computers.

 

[bobcan]

Possibly try closing 'Preview' (assuming that is the program used to read it) as it may still be open there.. Same thing happens with pics and similar files..

Usually that has been my experience with 'un-trashables'..