Folder - Delete from Command Prompt

How to Delete a Folder in Windows from the Command Prompt​

   Information

This will show you how to permanently delete a Folder in Vista, Windows 7, or Windows 8 using the RD or RMDIR command from within a command prompt.

This can be handy if you cannot delete the folder using the normal methods.

   Note

While you can run this command in a non-elevated or elevated command prompt, you would get the best results using a elevated command prompt.

   Warning

The folder will be deleted immediately and not placed in the Recycle Bin first. Deleting a folder using this command will also delete all of it's contents as well as the folder. Be sure to backup anything you want to keep in the folder first.

EXAMPLE: RD and RMDIR Command
NOTE: You can use either the RD or RMDIR command in the command prompt. They are the same command.





Here's How:
1. Do step 2 or 3 below for where you would like to use a command prompt at.


2. To Use a Elevated Command Prompt in Windows
A) Open an Elevated command prompt in Vista/Windows 7 or Windows 8, and go to step 4 below.
3. To Use a Command Prompt at Boot
A) Open a command prompt at boot in Vista/Windows 7 or Windows 8, and go to step 4 below.

B) In the command prompt, type diskpart and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

C) In the command prompt, type list volume and press Enter. (see screenshot below)
NOTE: This will let you see what the drive letter is for the drive that you want to delete the folder in since it may not always be the same drive letter that it is in Windows.

D) After making note of the drive letter, type exit and press Enter. (see screenshot below)

4. In the command prompt, type the command below and press enter.
NOTE: Substitute Full Path of Folder within quotes below with your folder's full path within quotes instead.

RD /S /Q "[COLOR=red][B]Full Path of Folder[/B][/COLOR]"

NOTE: For example, if I wanted to delete a folder named Folder on my desktop, I would type this command below.

RD /S /Q "C:\Users\UserName\Desktop\Folder"

5. The folder should now be deleted.

6. Close the command prompt.
NOTE: If you used a command prompt at boot, then also close the System Recovery Options window and restart the computer.
That's it,
Shawn

Related Tutorials

---

• How to Delete a File in Windows from the Command Prompt
• Add "Delete Files in Folder" and "Empty Folder" to Context Menu of Folders in Windows
• How to Open a Command Prompt at Startup in Windows 7
• How to Open a Elevated Command Prompt in Windows 7
• How to Open a Command Prompt in Windows 7
• How to Hide or Unhide a File or Folder in Windows 7
• How to Rename a File and Folder from the Command Prompt

 

[Brink]

I'm not sure what else to suggest either other than trying a system restore using a restore point dated before you downloaded that file.

 

[Pyprohly]

i went to the forum where i downloaded the file and others have said they cant delete it either...hmm

“Hmm” indeed. Englishbob, could you perhaps link to this undeletable item here, so we can have a more practical stab at deleting this item?

Also, is it a file or a folder that is being dealt with? Your post #46 suggests it's a file that cannot be deleted, while this tutorial is about deleting folders.

 

[englishbob1]

its a folder that has 3 folders inside it but nothing deletes, i tried the restore thing but that didnt work either, couldnt go back far enough

 

[Pyprohly]

Well I hope you know what a batch file is, Englishbob, because you are going to create the following batch file --

rd /s /q \\?\%1

Drag this undeletable folder of yours onto the batch file, then delete the batch file.

 

[englishbob1]

i dont know what a batch file is lol sorry

 

[Pyprohly]

It's a type of script.

Using your favourite text editor, enter the command line I've mentioned above into a text file, then rename the text file to have a .bat extension.

Finally, drag your undeletable folder onto the icon of this batch file.

 

[englishbob1]

ok done

 

[englishbob1]

it just flashed real fast but nothing happened

 

[Pyprohly]

With that same batch file, tack the keyword pause on a new line.

Would you be able to take a screenshot or copy paste exactly what is displayed in the black window.

 

[englishbob1]

the black window flashes too fast to get a screenshot

 

[Pyprohly]

Add the pause command to the file. This is what your batch file should look like --

rd /s /q \\?\%1
pause

 

[englishbob1]

well that sorted it, thanks alot, i dont know what the bat file does but it took it off, i rebooted to make sure it was gone and its no more.
thanks so much to all that helped me.
Ill recommend this site to others from the forums im on having the same issue

 

[Pyprohly]

well that sorted it, thanks alot, i dont know what the bat file does but it took it off

Batch files work the devil. That's all you should know ...

i rebooted to make sure it was gone and its no more.

Yea, um, perhaps I should have directed you to "restart explorer" too, after executing the batch file.

thanks so much to all that helped me.

You're welcome, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Ill recommend this site to others from the forums im on having the same issue

Yes, about that ... you suggest others experience the same issue when downloading this certain file(/folder)? That's very odd and should never happen.

Englishbob, before you go, would you, by any chance, be able to kindly link us to this download so that the exact problem can be identified, and a solution to the very source of the problem can be made?

 

[englishbob1]

i just checked whoever uploaded it has now taken it down, but ill keep an eye out for anyone else with the issue

 

[Pyprohly]

i just checked whoever uploaded it has now taken it down

Strange.

but ill keep an eye out for anyone else with the issue

Great.

If you hand anyone the batch file, do make sure you instruct them to delete it after. You wouldn't want to be held responsible for any accidental deletions they make or giving them "malicious code".

 

[englishbob1]

ok will do
thanks again

 

[basilthacker]

I seem to be having an issue with deleting a set of two empty folders I created. When I try to delete them, it tells me I need administrator permission. I tried using the batch file method, and it said "Access is denied". I found an administrator command prompt (Windows key + A + X on Windows 8). Should I try deleting it using that? Also, would you like screenshots of my problem? If so, just tell me the best way to do screenshots.

 

[Brink]

Hello Basil, and welcome to Seven Forums.

Yep, using the command in an elevated command prompt would give you the needed elevated rights.

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/783-elevated-command-prompt.html

 

[basilthacker]

Ok then. Should I document any of this or is it good?

 

[Brink]

Should all be the same other than using an elevated command prompt instead.