deleting files "in use" on macbook pro/ external hard drive

[bleedmytears]

I have some files which are in my trash when I plug in my external hard drive. These files are greyed out and when I try to empty the trash they each send an error that the file is "in use", and emptying the trash stops. How can I empty/ delete these files? They were put there as there was an issue with copying from one hard drive to another and they never copied properly so I placed them in the trash. I can not remove them from the trash (unless the ex hdd is removed, they wont show up til the next time I plug it in), and basically cant do anything with them...

any help is appreciated. thanks

 

[Idefix]

Seems like the damaged files are from the removable HD, since they don't show up until it's mounted.

You don't mention what OS you're running, but Onyx can force empty the trash. Just make sure you have the version compatible with your OS.

 

[bleedmytears]

Seems like the damaged files are from the removable HD, since they don't show up until it's mounted.

You don't mention what OS you're running, but Onyx can force empty the trash. Just make sure you have the version compatible with your OS.

its a macbook pro, running mac OS X version 10.6.8.

Ive also tried holding down the option key and emptying the trash, but it does not help, still comes up with files being "in use"

 

[AzDesertTroll]

I had a similar issue of trash not emptying a file saying it was in use. I used the info in the below link, post #11 and it cleared it out. Hope it helps.

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/1195393/

 

[yusukeaoki]

Have you tried holding down the option key while you hit empty?