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

jinglesnbells

macrumors newbie
Original poster
I am trying to delete files but I keep getting the following error message:

"The operation can not be completed because the item ".ds_store" is locked"

How do I unlock this file so I can delete the other files?

Thank you for you help!
 
.DS_store is locked

I have exactly the same problem. Did you ever find out what to do about this? HELP!
 
Why are you even seeing a DS_store? turn off any modifications you have done to your system.

To delete locked files select it, get info, uncheck the box that says 'locked'.
 
The .DS_Store should be hidden in the GUI simply because the filename starts with a "."
FYI, the .DS_Store file stores the Finder-window setting for that directory, and may be deleted whenever you want, but it will be re-created again.
Are you seeing these files on a WinNT server (2000, 2003)?
 
still no solution

I transfered some files from a windows computer to my apple computer. Everything was fine until I went to delete the folders. I moved them to the trash and proceeded to "empty trash". That is when I got the error message -
"The operation can not be completed because the item ".ds_store" is locked". For some reason the trash will not delete the folders.

When I click on the folders and go to info - the box for locked is not checked.

Thank for your help!
 
They are invisible files (invis to the Finder).

As noted earlier in the thread, hold down the Option key, and then choose "Empty Trash" in the FInder pull-down menu. Keep holding it down.
 
Register on MacRumors! This sidebar will go away, and you'll see fewer ads.