Deletes a directory. This command is the same as the rmdir command.
For examples of how to use this command, see Examples.
Syntax
rd [<Drive>:]<Path> [/s [/q]] rmdir [<Drive>:]<Path> [/s [/q]]
Parameters
Parameter | Description |
---|---|
[<Drive>:]<Path> |
Specifies the location and the name of the directory that you want to delete. Path is required. |
/s |
Deletes a directory tree (the specified directory and all its subdirectories, including all files). |
/q |
Specifies quiet mode. Does not prompt for confirmation when deleting a directory tree. (Note that /q works only if /s is specified.) |
/? |
Displays help at the command prompt. |
Remarks
- You cannot delete a directory that contains files, including
hidden or system files. If you attempt to do so, the following
message appears:
The directory is not empty
Use the dir /a command to list all files (including hidden and system files). Then use the attrib command with -h to remove hidden file attributes, -s to remove system file attributes, or -h -s to remove both hidden and system file attributes. After the hidden and file attributes have been removed, you can delete the files.
- If you insert a backslash (\) at the beginning of Path,
Path will start at the root directory (regardless of the
current directory).
- You cannot use rd to delete the current directory. If
you attempt to delete the current directory, the following error
message appears:
The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.
If you receive this error message, you must change to a different directory (not a subdirectory of the current directory), and then use rd (specify Path if necessary).
- The rd command, with different parameters, is available
from the Recovery Console.
Examples
You cannot delete the directory that you are currently working in. You must change to a directory that is not within the current directory. For example, to change to the parent directory, type:
cd ..
You can now safely remove the desired directory.
Use the /s option to remove a directory tree. For example, to remove a directory named Test (and all its subdirectories and files) from the current directory, type:
rd /s test
To run the previous example in quiet mode, type:
rd /s /q test
Caution | |
When you run rd /s in quiet mode, the entire directory tree is deleted without confirmation. Ensure that important files are moved or backed up before using the /q command-line option. |