Help! I can't trash my files! Do I need a file shredder?
g4 / 10.2.8 / 400mhz / 320ram

sizzlechest

Are you getting any messages? What exactly is going on?

try the following:

Hold down 'option' when selecting empty trash, and that should delete any files, including locked ones.

Also, if you can't actually put them in the trash, make sure you are logged in as Admin, and also do a command-i on the files, select permissions, and make sure that everyone can read and write.

If that doesn't work you can try Force Delete, its dangerous since its impossible to retrieve the data, since it write 0's over the data while regular deleting allows you to run certain recovery apps and recover the data that hasn't been written over. So think of it as a localized harddrive reformat.

Macintosh HD>>Applications>>Utilities>>Disk Utility
Run Repair Permissions & Restart.
Sysop

Thanks all for the help!
i'll tell u what worked -

sizzlechest

well, • repair permissions didn't work
• didn't try force delete
• option technique didn't work

basically what is happening is that the screen isn't actually freezing (i can still move the mouse) but there are no error messges just the "emptying the trash" window but no progression.(can't open anything or force quit) (do i need to wait longer?)

Do i need to run the disc utility (repair permissions/verifications) on the startup disc?

sizzlechest

Yes, yry your disk utilities, try FSCK and see if that does it, and while Force delete is a dangerous app in the wrong hands since it can delete your drive if you drop the system file on it, it should be able to delete anything you want without fuss. I personally keep all of my dangerous apps in a hidden and password protected file to ensure that someone who plays with my iBook doesn't kill my iBook.

You can also try Escape Pod to force close apps at a keystroke, its even better that the built in Force Quit.

thanks to all -

i found a file in the trash that didn't have the correct permissions (read/write) - i unlocked it and it works fine now. Thanks

sizzlechest

Glad you got your problem solved, S.C.
Sysop