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Can't Delete .avi file

kathryne_B

kathryne_B

macrumors regular
Original poster
Mar 9, 2005
158
19
CA
I can't delete an .avi file from my trashcan. Every time I insert a card into the cardreader that I use for viewing .avi files, the file reappears. When I remove the cardreader then the trashcan gets empty. If I insert the card back into the cardreader, then the trashcan shows up full again. I've tried everything suggested on another thread "Can't Delete Files in Trash!!!" I've even tried iShred Express, but the stubborn file just showed up in the trash again, only this time it was renamed! The file that appears in the trashcan is: s|yStus.avi and it's in a folder titled DCI. Is there a trick to wiping out that file? I'm really baffled here. I'd really be grateful to anyone that could help.:confused: TIA!
 
Do you empty the Trash can from its pop-up menu? If so, then you should try pressing the [option] key when doing so.
 
MisterMe said:
Do you empty the Trash can from its pop-up menu? If so, then you should try pressing the [option] key when doing so.
Click to expand...

Yes, I do and I've tried a zillion times, but I can't get rid of the bloody file!

BTW: love your signature quote and oh sooo true! :apple:
 
kathryne_B said:
Of course! Since it's the only time, the file I can't get rid of shows up.
Click to expand...

Open the Trash in a Finder window. Next open a Terminal window.

In the Terminal window, type "rm " (without the quotes - i.e. rm followed by a space). Now drag the file you want to delete from the Finder window to the Terminal window. This should append the file path to the rm command. Press return in the Terminal window and the file should disappear from the Trash.
 
Hi guys, i'm also having the same problem as this guy.

I manage to remove all the files in this main folder called, Wage Calculator, using "rm "

But now i left with the main folder "Wage Calculator", i cant remove it using "rm "

Terminal say " rm: /private/tmp/1033/C/.Trashes/501/Wage Calculator: is a directory "

So now how do i remove a directory ??

Many thanks,
Kenny
 

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Yes !!

I manage to delete the main folder.

I open Terminal and type "rm -rf /path/to/foldername"

and everything is gone now !! i'm so happy :]


kathryne_B, If you're still having problems, u can try using "rm -rf /path/to/foldername"

Hope it helps !! :)

Cheers,
Kenny
 
zachsilvey said:
if the previous post doesn't work you should just back up the files you want from the drive and format it.
Click to expand...

No, the previous didn't work, but I'm not sure I'm understanding what you mean by "format it?" You mean like reformat the whole drive/Hard disk using the CD? If this is what you mean, this seems a little drastic for one tenacious file and it would take me forever, since I have like a zillion files on my computer. That would seem like more trouble than it's worth. Thanx anyway. :(
 
blodwyn said:
Open the Trash in a Finder window. Next open a Terminal window.

In the Terminal window, type "rm " (without the quotes - i.e. rm followed by a space). Now drag the file you want to delete from the Finder window to the Terminal window. This should append the file path to the rm command. Press return in the Terminal window and the file should disappear from the Trash.
Click to expand...

Hi.....What Finder Window? The file is in the trash. I dragged from the trash to the terminal window using "rm," then return, but it did nothing.

Thank you to all, but I've tried all the suggestions given and typed "rm" to the Terminal, dragging, return and the file is still remains. All it does when I drag it to the window and empty the trash is blink!
 
kathryne_B said:
... I dragged from the trash to the terminal window using "rm," then return, but it did nothing.

...
Click to expand...
Unless one is logged in as "root," then simply typing "rm" should not be expected to always work. To force "rm" to remove a file, type the command "sudo rm" instead of just "rm." You will be asked for an administrative password.
 
sookainian said:
I open Terminal and type "rm -rf /path/to/foldername"

and everything is gone now !! i'm so happy :]
Click to expand...


Be VERY careful with this command. As you've discovered, it removes everything, and an unchecked typo can really mess your filesystem up.

A safer command in your case would have been:

Code: 
rmdir /path/to/foldername

This specifically removes folders and directories (after they've been emptied).


kathryne_B said:
Thank you to all, but I've tried all the suggestions given and typed "rm" to the Terminal, dragging, return and the file is still remains.
Click to expand...


You've even tried formatting the card?
 
scaredpoet said:
Be VERY careful with this command. As you've discovered, it removes everything, and an unchecked typo can really mess your filesystem up. [/i]
A safer command in your case would have been:

Code: 
rmdir /path/to/foldername

This specifically removes folders and directories (after they've been emptied).


You've even tried formatting the card?
Click to expand...

No, I have not. I'll have to read the instructions on how to reformat the card. Thanx for the suggestion. And as for your comment on the "rm" command removing everything, I haven't discovered anything, since it hasn't removed a thing yet. The file is still in the trash and still staring me on the face. :mad:

But one more question: Do I just type "rmdir"? Or the whole thing, including slashes?
 
Re:Can't Delete. avi file

scaredpoet said:
Be VERY careful with this command. As you've discovered, it removes everything, and an unchecked typo can really mess your filesystem up.

A safer command in your case would have been:

Code: 
rmdir /path/to/foldername

This specifically removes folders and directories (after they've been emptied).


You've even tried formatting the card?
Click to expand...

Reformatting the card was just the ticket needed!! It worked like a charm! No more having to look at that file in my trashcan! :D Thanx for the suggestion!!! [End of story]
 
btw, to remove a directory via terminal i use

rm -R *path to folder*

The "-R" makes it work with folders.
 
Erase problem

Check permisions or Folder lock, with the inspector cmd+i over the file
or try in shell

sudo chmod 777 -R ~/Music/
 
Thank You All!

...For your suggestions and feedback! No need to keep posting since ScaredPoet's question about reformatting the card took care of the problem. I reformatted the card and the trashcan is once again empty!! I'm happy again. . . WaahHoo! :D
 
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