Can't Delete Folder (Security)

[Trekkie]

I had a weird issue with the app store and it was recommended I rename something in /var/private/folders (the zz directory) and move it to the trash.

I did that, but now I can't delete it.

It's not 'owned' by me, and nothing I do will let me get rid of it. I've got tons of linux experience and went in and tried to chown, chgrp, rm -rf but nothing will 'take ownership' of it. It's tagged security wise with owner of root/wheel as the user/group.

What the heck can I do to get rid of this? it's more an annoyance and isn't causing a problem but it's driving me nuts every time I empty the trash and it tries to delete 32K some files and fails.

 

[KALLT]

Which directory specifically? From where are you trying to remove it?

 

[Trekkie]

I had a weird issue with the app store and it was recommended I rename something in /var/private/folders (the zz directory) and move it to the trash.

I typed the wrong directory. It was /var/folders/zz not /var/private

 

[KALLT]

And now its located where? Trash? What error message do you receive when you remove it with sudo?

 

[Trekkie]

Empty Trash = 'in use' even though I've verified it is not in use. the zz directory was created again as the support article indicates.

sudo's response is "Operation not permitted" on every file/subdirectory.

 

[grahamperrin]

/var/folders/zz

I suspect that you were given, or found, misguided advice. Please see https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/23236451 and if your aim is e.g. to clear a cache, then https://forums.macrumors.com/posts/23237121 in the same topic notes that a safe boot is more appropriate.