Can't delete files by dragging to Trash

External Since: Jan 18, 2005 Posts: 30

I have several files that I eventually moved onto the desktop that I
can't get rid of. When I drag one or more to the Trash, a message comes
up saying the file is in use, which is isn't. When I try to drag them
into a folder to get them out of the way, an error message comes up
saying they don't exist.

I ran DiskWarrior, which said it fixed numerous files and even fixed a
green tint that was happening to the monitor (!), but it didn't seem to
change the problem with these files.

Thanks for any help. The system is OS X Jaguar and I am thinking of
upgrading to Panther to see if that fixes the problem.

Dale

External Since: Dec 17, 2004 Posts: 162

dglaser.RemoveThis@pacific.net wrote:
> I have several files that I eventually moved onto the desktop that I
> can't get rid of. When I drag one or more to the Trash, a message comes
> up saying the file is in use, which is isn't. When I try to drag them
> into a folder to get them out of the way, an error message comes up
> saying they don't exist.
>
> I ran DiskWarrior, which said it fixed numerous files and even fixed a
> green tint that was happening to the monitor (!), but it didn't seem to
> change the problem with these files.
>
> Thanks for any help. The system is OS X Jaguar and I am thinking of
> upgrading to Panther to see if that fixes the problem.
>
> Dale

Try holding option then selecting empty trash from the menu. I think
option-empty forces files that won't delete otherwise. You an also boot
from a different system so that those files are no longer in use :)

I've had the same problem though, even after a fresh reboot.