Mac OS X: How to Delete a Classic Application‘s Temporary Files When Emptying the Trash Does Not

Some Classic applications may not place their temporary files in the Trash as expected. Emptying the Trash, therefore, does not delete them. This document explains how you may delete them.
Note: This document applies to Mac OS X versions 10.2.8 and earlier.


Some Classic applications may save files to an incorrect Trash location. Choose steps according to how you have software installed on your computer.

Single volume installation

If Mac OS X and the Classic (Mac OS 9) System Folder are on the same hard disk volume (this is default configuration), follow these steps:

Multiple volume installation

If Mac OS X and the Classic (Mac OS 9) System Folder are on different hard disk volumes (two partitions, for example), follow these steps:
Published Date: Feb 17, 2012