can't empty trash

Hold the "Option" Key when you select "Empty Trash" in the menu bar.

If that doesn't work then see the latest issue of "MacAddict" they have a terminal command that will absolutely empty the trash.

If I had it here at work I'd copy it here for you, or if you want I'll post when I get home.

Good Luck

 

If you search this forum, you'll find a bunch of threads on this same topic.

 

rm -rf .Trashes/*

in terminal will empty trash most of the time...

make sure it's really trash, because you won't get a second chance...

and, sorry, but it's a pet peeve of mine. why do people bother posting "just search" without offering the results - it's not very helpful? if you want them to search, why not just ignore the thread instead?

if you search "empty trash", you get one thread that's relevant out of 25 listed in the first page. and it's 23rd out of 25, posted 2 months ago.

 

I agree. I've asked questions before that even after I tried a search nothing comes up and then some says "why don't you just search for it , there have been many Threads on that......"

Anyway here's what MacAdict say on the subject. (and I'm trying to reprint this directly from the Jan 2005 issue.

In the terminal

[rmyslewski:~]rmyslews% sudo rm -ri ~/.Trash/*

I guess rmyslewski is the user name but the accompanying caption to the sample says "If emptying the Trash results in stubborn resistance, employ the Terminal and force the job using this command"

 

First of all, check your Trash and make sure you know what everything is. You don't want to erase a system file or something.

Second, reboot your computer and try to empty the trash.

If you still can't empty it, open the terminal.
Type: sudo rm -rf ~./Trash/*

Here is what this stuff means (if you don't know)
sudo = basically enhancing your privledges
rm = remove command
-r = recursive flag to handle folders
-f = force flag to handle permission problems
~/.Trash/* = means go to the Trash folder and select all files

You may get a message and a request to enter you password, don't worry about what it says and just enter your password.

Hope this works.

 

Help too

I have the same problem but it all of the commands arent working, the trash is still there. Is there something i have to do to make it empty after that?
Thanks,
JSully217