Can't delete a file from Deleted User folder

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Level 1

37 points

Can't delete a file from Deleted User folder

Hi I a running Sonoma 14.7.1 with a MBP M3 Pro.

I deleted a test user folder I had created to troubleshoot a different problem a while back. It isn't a huge issue but every time I empty the Bin I get a list of 6 or 7 files that are 'in use' and cannot be deleted. These are inside a hidden Library folder in the otherwise empty test folder in my Bin. I can't open the Library folder because I don't have permissions. Have tried starting in Safe mode, have tried force empty terminal from terminal, have tried disabling SIP and emptying bin. Nothing has worked.

Starting to drive me crazy....

MacBook Pro 14″, macOS 14.7

Posted on Mar 21, 2025 05:06 AM

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Answer 1

Owl-53

Level 10

100,297 points

Mar 22, 2025 03:11 AM in response to tommybanana

OP wrote " I deleted a test user folder "

Had you deleted the Test User Account too or is that Account Still active

Normally one would remove the Test User Account First

During that process there are usually 3 options presented >>

Remove the user’s home folder from the computer: Select “Delete the home folder,” then click Delete User. The user information is deleted and the storage space is freed.

Delete a user or group on Mac

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Answer 2

Owl-53

Level 10

100,297 points

Mar 22, 2025 07:22 AM in response to tommybanana

You are welcome

Plus, good work on your part 👍

Yes, Bob used to be my uncle many many years ago lol

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Answer 3

tommybanana Author

Level 1

37 points

Mar 22, 2025 07:15 AM in response to Owl-53

Thanks. You have made it clear what i did wrong. I just deleted the test folder from Users into the bin - I should have removed the user in settings. The test user was still in the list of users and groups so I deleted the user in settings and it left the list. However the test folder in the bin didn't change and still wouldn't delete. It contained a hidden Library folder with permissions that meant I couldn't open or delete it. So I eventually tried a chmod -R 755 command in terminal on the test folder (i just dragged the test folder onto terminal after writing the command) and it made all the files in test visible and deletable and bob's your uncle.

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Answer 4

dialabrain

Level 10

133,529 points

Mar 21, 2025 10:05 PM in response to tommybanana

First, try updating to Sonoma 14.7.4.

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Answer 5

tommybanana Author

Level 1

37 points

Mar 22, 2025 09:00 AM in response to Owl-53

Seems he is still your uncle!

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