Take the item you want to delete out of the trash. Highlight it with your cursor. Just highlight it--DON'T OPEN IT. Look at the screen with all the info such as "More Info", "Name & Extension", "Open With", Right above "More Info", you'll see a box beside "Stationary Pad" and a box beside "Locked". Uncheck the "Locked" Box. The trash should now empty. -- Sometimes another trick will work. Hold the "option" key down while you empty trash. While I'm on the subject. I always use "Secure Empty Trash". This makes sure it gone from your hard drive forever. Ron in Memphis