Delete User and Users Folder

[circatee]

I was given a MacBook Pro, old one, and have been working on cleaning it up (uninstalling not needed apps and such).

During the clean up process, I removed excess user accounts. However, in Library \ Users, one of the user's folder was still there. I used the option of 'Move to Trash', but the OS was unable to delete the entire folder, stating X files were in use. And, this is despite me restarting the Mac prior to starting the cleanup process (logging into it with my main account that had Admin rights).

What is the correct way to remove users from macOS, along with the users folder?

Lastly, when reviewing the storage space, it shows that Movies is 101GB. But, I cannot find that data to delete it.
Thanks in advance

 

[gilby101]

What is the correct way to remove users from macOS, along with the users folder?

You won't like my answer, but the correct way to tidy up is to 1) remove all current users from iCloud, 2) boot to recovery mode (or, better, from a bootable installer), erase the disk and reinstall.

 

[circatee]

You won't like my answer, but the correct way to tidy up is to 1) remove all current users from iCloud, 2) boot to recovery mode (or, better, from a bootable installer), erase the disk and reinstall.

Actually, I do. And, honestly, I should have do that initially. I will be looking into doing this later today/tomorrow. Probably the best foot forward...

 

[Fishrrman]

Whether or not you can boot to internet recovery depends on HOW OLD the MBP is.
What year was it made?

2011 and later -- internet recovery works.
2010 -- internet recovery works on SOME models (try it to see).
2009 -- internet recovery not possible.

To get to internet recovery:
Command-OPTION-R
at boot.

You'll need the wifi password (unless you can use ethernet).
The internet utilities take a while to load as "the globe spins"... be patient.

When loaded, open disk utility.
Check to see if there is a "view" menu.
If there IS one, you must go to it and choose "show all devices".

Then click the topmost item "on the left" that represents the internal drive and erase it.
For High Sierra and earlier, erase to "Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format".
For Mojave and later, erase to APFS with GUID partition format.

When done, quit disk utility and open the OS installer, and start "clicking through"...

 

[circatee]

Whether or not you can boot to internet recovery depends on HOW OLD the MBP is.
What year was it made?

2011 and later -- internet recovery works.
2010 -- internet recovery works on SOME models (try it to see).
2009 -- internet recovery not possible.

To get to internet recovery:
Command-OPTION-R
at boot.

You'll need the wifi password (unless you can use ethernet).
The internet utilities take a while to load as "the globe spins"... be patient.

When loaded, open disk utility.
Check to see if there is a "view" menu.
If there IS one, you must go to it and choose "show all devices".

Then click the topmost item "on the left" that represents the internal drive and erase it.
For High Sierra and earlier, erase to "Mac OS extended with journaling enabled, GUID partition format".
For Mojave and later, erase to APFS with GUID partition format.

When done, quit disk utility and open the OS installer, and start "clicking through"...

Brilliant info. Thanks for always helping individuals on here, and being specific with your responses.Much appreciated...

I have been messing with the unit today. But, I will follow the above and 'start fresh'.

Update:
MacBook Pro Mid 2014
2.5GHz Intel i7
16GB memory
Graphics NVIDIA GeForce GT 750M 2048MB
Storage: 500GB flash
OS: Big Sur

 

[Tagbert]

You won't like my answer, but the correct way to tidy up is to 1) remove all current users from iCloud, 2) boot to recovery mode (or, better, from a bootable installer), erase the disk and reinstall.

Why would you erase the the disk? that seems like a very disruptive process.

I would just use the System Preference: Users & Groups panel and hit the minus button to remove the user and their files. This article talks about the details of that process https://www.howtogeek.com/751094/how-to-delete-a-user-account-on-mac/

 

[gilby101]

Why would you erase the the disk? that seems like a very disruptive process.

I was interpreting the post by @circatee as saying that their system was in a bit of a mess. In that case the clean way can be to erase and start again. Yes it is disruptive. A good backup helps.

 

[Tagbert]

I was interpreting the post by @circatee as saying that their system was in a bit of a mess. In that case the clean way can be to erase and start again. Yes it is disruptive. A good backup helps.

Ah, yes. I was focused on the removal part and skipped over the cleanup. Good call.