Can't delete files!

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Posted:
in Genius Bar edited January 2014
There are certain files (.zip usualy) on my machine I can't delete!

When I try I get the error "The item XXXXXXX si being used by another task right now............



Mac OS 10.2.8



HELP!!!!

Comments

  • Reply 1 of 7
    Try restarting or logining out and in again. Finder can't delete the file because the uncompressed folder is still in use. Good luck. This is not serious.
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  • Reply 2 of 7
    I have tried that my friend, but to no avail! I have also tried to set stuffit to delete the original file when compressed in the prefs and that doesn't work. It's not a massive file (35mb) but it's just sitting there on my desktop. About as much use as an inflatable dartboard!!!!
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  • Reply 3 of 7
    Quote:

    Originally posted by wancarlos

    I have tried that my friend, but to no avail! I have also tried to set stuffit to delete the original file when compressed in the prefs and that doesn't work. It's not a massive file (35mb) but it's just sitting there on my desktop. About as much use as an inflatable dartboard!!!!



    Really? Weird. This is not very reasonable, but if you really want to get rid of this file, try this:



    1. Make and new folder on the desktop



    2. Keep that original name "untitled folder".



    3. In that new folder, make another folder.



    4. Rename the newest folder so it has the <B>exact</b> name as the file you are trying to delete.



    5. After renaming the folder, move it to the desktop.



    6. Finder will ask you if you would like to replace the stubborn file with the folder. Click yes, or replace, or something.



    7. Then delete both folders.



    That might work.

    Good luck.



    -Leo
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  • Reply 4 of 7
    macsrgood4umacsrgood4u Posts: 3,007member
    This happened to me with a dmg file on the desktop about a year ago. Unfortunately I cannot remember the procedure to get rid of it. Check with Applecare site as I believe they address this problem and offer a solution.
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  • Reply 5 of 7
    murbotmurbot Posts: 5,262member
    One of our kind Genius Bar attendants will surely lend a helping hand.



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  • Reply 6 of 7
    Have you tried using the terminal?



    (I am no expert but this has helped me out once or twice.)



    navigate to your desktop: cd Desktop



    delete file: rm offending_file.zip





    J-E-O
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  • Reply 7 of 7
    fahlmanfahlman Posts: 742member
    Apple Support Document #107426



    1. Rename the file to "remove.rtf"

    2. Open TextEdit (/Applications/TextEdit)

    3. From the File menu, choose Save As

    4. Type: "remove" in the Save As field

    5. Select the location where the file is located

    6. Click Save, then Replace

    7. Quit TextEdit

    8. Drag remove.rtf to the Trash
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