Deleting locked folders from Trash on OSX
I've recently had a stubborn folder in my Trash which I haven't been able to delete for ages due to an getting the following error message.
"The operation could not be completed because the item '{folder name here}' is locked."
After a little digging on the Apple site I've found this (and it's now here for my future reference too)
- Open Terminal (/Applications/Utilities).
- Type this, followed by a space: sudo chflags -R nouchg
- Drag the folder you would like to unlock into the Terminal window.
- Press Return.
- Enter your password and press Return.
For further info check out http://docs.info.apple.com/article.html?artnum=106237
Comments
I believe holding down the option key when you empty trash does the same thing.
Normally holding the Option key down works with locked folders, but I have had a stubborn folder in the trash on a USB thumb drive. Whenever I plug it in, the trash shows this item and holding down Option does not work when emptying the trash. I will have to try this.
@ryan I tried that, even CHMOD/CHOWN from the terminal but nothing was removing the lock
I have to ask....
Did you try right/cmd clicking the item and select "Get Info", then uncheck the "locked" chekbox?
Did you try right/cmd clicking the item and select "Get Info", then uncheck the "locked" chekbox?
@Bash: That's fine for one or two files. But when you're trying to delete 200 files scattered around in deeply nested folders . . . well, you're going to get a very sore finger after all those clicking.
@Lola
I could see that being true. I don't let my trash build up that long.
I could see that being true. I don't let my trash build up that long.
But do you know how to remove those invisible .trash folders Mac computers create?
The command line you suggest (and thanks for that) isn't working. The folder that i want to remove from trash was deleted from an USB HDD i dont find a way to unlock it!! No option key, no command line whatsoever... Help!!!
Try holding CTRL/ALT/CMD (apple key)
and empty trash ;-)
and empty trash ;-)
Thanks -- this post helped me out quite a bit today. I was having trouble removing some folders connected to a subversion repository. The locked subversion files were causing the same error blocking my deletes.
