Deleting stuck files

taken from http://discussions.info.apple.com/WebX?14@12.63p1a910dSy.6@.3bbbf188/0 (tip posted by Joel C.)

1. Launch Terminal

2.Type: sudo rm -R

3. Press the space bar once.

4. Drag the folder/file to the Terminal window. The files pathway should show up.

5. Press return

6. If you're asked for a password enter it and press return.

Worked for me every time...

 

I'm not sure what you mean by "stuck files", but if you're referring to files that the Trash can't delete, here's how:

Use the command "rm -rf filename" to delete your .Trash file in your user directory. If you need to delete a file you don't own or have write access for, add "sudo" preceding the command: "sudo rm -rf filename"

A word of warning..."rm -rf" is a powerful command that deletes files w/out prompting for confirmation. Make sure you know what you're doing with it, because it's easy to make a mistake and trash the wrong files.

You might also want to check out BatChmod:
http://versiontracker.com/moreinfo.fcgi?id=12057&db=mac

It has a GUI based method of force emptying the trash.

 

Thanks - I've been having this problem too, and have been so sick of the 'full' trash icon...

now i feel clean again.

 

Another technique to use, which doesn't require the Terminal, is using Root User.

This works for a lot of other situations, and has helped me when even the -rm... didn't work.

 

That's essentially what the "sudo" command does, and avoids the pitfalls of accidentally messing something up when logged in as "root".

 

If you have problems/issues in dealing with the Terminal, try the excellent "Pseudo" - downloadable from VersionTracker. It lets you work with the files as administrator: No mess, no fuss - just drag-and-drop on the icon, and you're instantly in "Root".

The other way - boot into OS9, and empty the trash...