Can't Empty Trash

[BGWinPNW]

As I've done many times before, I deleted a ton of files on my external HD. The files now show up in the Trash on my MacBookPro running OS Sierra (10.12.6). However, this time I can't empty the trash. I get messages like the following:

"Some files can't be deleted due to System Integrity Protection"
"Can't delete 'folders' because it's in use":
"Can't delete '[file name]' because it's in use"

Nothing else is open, running, or in use at the time, so I don't understand the "in use" messages. I also don't understand how System Integrity Protection works and why it might be causing the problem. A friend told me to try booting the machine in Safe mode to see if I could empty the trash that way; no luck.

I tried directly accessing the trash file on the external HD and it won't let me in; says I'm not authorized even though I'm the owner. I'm authorized for the drive, but not for the Trash file on the drive. And the permission listed doesn't make sense to me: "Write Only (Drop Box"). My MacBook won't let me change this; if I enter something new it changes it back.

I'm stumped and would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

 

[cmaier]

As I've done many times before, I deleted a ton of files on my external HD. The files now show up in the Trash on my MacBookPro running OS Sierra (10.12.6). However, this time I can't empty the trash. I get messages like the following:

"Some files can't be deleted due to System Integrity Protection"
"Can't delete 'folders' because it's in use":
"Can't delete '[file name]' because it's in use"

Nothing else is open, running, or in use at the time, so I don't understand the "in use" messages. I also don't understand how System Integrity Protection works and why it might be causing the problem. A friend told me to try booting the machine in Safe mode to see if I could empty the trash that way; no luck.

I tried directly accessing the trash file on the external HD and it won't let me in; says I'm not authorized even though I'm the owner. I'm authorized for the drive, but not for the Trash file on the drive. And the permission listed doesn't make sense to me: "Write Only (Drop Box"). My MacBook won't let me change this; if I enter something new it changes it back.

I'm stumped and would appreciate any suggestions. Thanks!

do you know how to use the “rm” command from terminal? Maybe it will let you delete it that way (though if SIP is really preventing it, rm wouldn’t work either)

 

[chscag]

SIP will prevent you from deleting certain items in macOS. Some provided Apple apps for example can not be deleted without first disabling SIP. Same thing for certain files that the system is using. As far as the other message that some apps or folders are in use, you can usually overcome that by rebooting and then trying again.

 

[Fishrrman]

Try this:

Reboot to safe mode (hold shift key down continuously after you press the power on button)

When you get to the finder, hold down the command key and choose "empty trash".

Any better?

One other thing:
If SIP is warning you about deleting some files, BE SURE OF what you're throwing out before you empty the trash...!