stupid computer question #86

[Andymac]

I have a zip file and some other files sitting on my desktop. (mac)

when I go to drag them to the trash, I get the spinning colorwheel for a few seconds, and then an error message (36) 'can't read parts of file', so it won't drag and drop.

How do I get rid of the files? (I got the contents no problem)

this happens on a few worddoc files too.

[redbear]

Common System Error Messages: What they Mean and What Might Help Resolve the Problem

or try this:

http://tinyurl.com/nvd6mq

[braksandwich]

If you are in OS X do the following:

Open up terminal ( should be in Applications > Utilities > Terminal )

If you computer is named "Squeegeeville" and your username is "andymac" you should see something like this:

Squeegeeville:~ andymac$

type the following command:

cd ~/Desktop

type:

ls *zip

You will see your zip file in that list. Let's pretend your filename is andyfile.zip, type the following:

rm andyfile.zip

if there are spaces in the file name you will need to use single quotes around it, like so:

rm 'andy file.zip'

That should do the trick without any backtalk.

[Andymac]

thanks dustin;

ha, it says to delete the file.

these files were from a PC

[Andymac]

Matt, no files came up after typing Is*zip

[redbear]

do this then

Follow the instructions above to get to your desktop in the terminal.
Then type.

rm -i *zip

The 'i' flag makes it prompt you before deleting. Mind your spaces. 'rm -i * zip' is a completely different command.

[Andymac]

ok so I've got it to come up

remove Space&Press.zip?

what, do i type yes and hit return or?

[Andymac]

ha - gone baby gone. thanks boys!

[braksandwich]

I should have specified it was all lowercase. Glad it worked out for you.