Yet another method of trashing undeletable files

Feb 14, '06 06:21:00AM

Contributed by: Anonymous

In the past, I've used several apps that delete stubborn "you can't delete this file" files. However, I had a folder that the trial version of FileMaker Pro made that simply would not delete. The system said "That file is in use," despite my best efforts.

After several unsuccessful attempts at getting rid of the file. I found a completely successful way. I made a new user and gave it admin rights. Then I put the stubborn file in a common folder. Next, I logged on as the new admin user, and put the stubborn file in the trash.

Finally, I logged out and back in as the main user. Then I deleted the new user I created. The system then asked if I wanted to delete all files. And just like that, it was gone. This did what all these AppleScripts and apps couldn't seem to do.

robg adds: Over the years, this has probably been one of the more popular topics to discuss -- it seems there are many possible solutions. Even Apple has jumped into the discussion with their You can't empty the Trash or move a file to the Trash in Mac OS X Knowledge Base document. Suffice it to say, there should be something amongst these tips that works for your specific situation.

And yes, if you've been reading here for a while, the above editor's note was cribbed from an earlier deleting files hint (plus I added a few more links that have cropped up since the original was published).]

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