- 1). Quit any open applications and try to empty the trash. If the file still won't delete, it's not likely in use.
- 2). Click your mouse and hold the button down over the trash can icon if you have a single-button mouse. With two buttons, right-click the trash.
- 3). Hold down your keyboard's "Option" key, located between "Command" and "Control." Select "Empty Trash" from the "Finder" menu while still holding "Option."
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