Back to Dye Printing Tricks & Tips

Why Can't I Throw Away a Mac File?

Occasionally, a file tossed into the trash can doesn't want to go.

Try renaming the file and emptying the Trash. No? Try creating another file in the same application and save it with the same name. When the computer prompts you if you want to save the new and overwrite the old, say yes, or Okay.

No go?

Try these diagnosing steps (any one might work):

First, open the Trash Can by double clicking on it. Select the stubborn file and >File>Get Info>General Information (Splat+I). Confirm that the file is not Locked (lower left corner of the Get Info Dialog Box). If it's not locked try renaming the file. If that doesn't work, it is a symptom of a damaged directory.

Second, hold down the Option Key and try emptying the Trash can again.

Third, Start Up the computer with Extensions Off and empty the Trash.

Fourth, Start Up the computer with the Mac OS Disc as the Start Up Disc, then empty the Trash.

Fifth, Run the Disk First Aid and repair the directory. Or try Norton Utilities. Or Disk Warrior. It may be a serious problem so be sure you've backed up your important files.

 

Back to Dye Printing Tricks & Tips

Archive

Printing / Imagesetting / Graphics / Contact Information / Tips & Tricks / Gallery / Links