Sidebar Sidebar
Become a MacRumors Supporter for $50/year with no ads, ability to filter front page stories, and private forums.

Is it possible to delete only select files from Trash?

L

Libertine Lush

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Nov 23, 2009
682
2
Hi everyone,

This is something I'm use to in Windows, so I'm curious if it's possible in Snow Leopard too.

If you have 10 files in the Trash, but you decide that at the moment you only wish to delete 5 of them, is it possible to only delete those 5? Or would you have to take out the 5 you don't want to delete yet, place them somewhere temporary like the desktop, delete the remaining 5 and then put the 5 on the desktop back into the Trash?

Thanks!
 
Libertine Lush said:
Hi everyone,

This is something I'm use to in Windows, so I'm curious if it's possible in Snow Leopard too.

If you have 10 files in the Trash, but you decide that at the moment you only wish to delete 5 of them, is it possible to only delete those 5?
Click to expand...

I don't think it works that way, but that would be a nice option.
 
I have a great idea....I'll hide important files I really want to keep safe in the Trash...no one would ever think to look for them there! :rolleyes:

Commit, dammit! If you don't want it, put it in the trash. If you think you don't want it, but you just can't make up your mind to dump it, DON'T put it in the trash.
 
A number of replies in here are kind of close minded. Apple's way via the mouse is to allow you only the option of deleting the whole trash. You can say everything is always right, since Apple said it is so, but Windows made this easier, IMO. Sometimes, you're just not sure if you want to delete EVERYTHING. Jeez.

Anyway, OP, this doesn't work so well for a lot of files, but Terminal is what you want to use. Type in this:

rm -r [path to file]

You can just type "rm -r" and then drag the file from trash to terminal and press return and it will be deleted. Do this for the other 4 files and you're done. If the deletion says you don't have permission or rights (I forget the exact message), just type:

sudo rm -r [path to file]

again dragging the file to [path to file].
 
-aggie- said:
A number of replies in here are kind of close minded. Apple's way via the mouse is to allow you only the option of deleting the whole trash. You can say everything is always right, since Apple said it is so, but Windows made this easier, IMO. Sometimes, you're just not sure if you want to delete EVERYTHING. Jeez.

Anyway, OP, this doesn't work so well for a lot of files, but Terminal is what you want to use. Type in this:

rm -r [path to file]
Click to expand...

Wow, that's very helpful. Not as convenient, but really useful nonetheless, not having to install an additional program. Thank you!
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.
Top Bottom
Back