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Zachary Scott
Asked: 2010-05-05 09:37:04 +0800 CST

How to delete a file with a space at end of the name and hidden attributes?

  • 772

We have a hidden file with a space at the end of the file name. Usually, I take ownership of the file, then use a command line rename with the 8.3 (dir/x) file name. However, rename doesn't acknowledge hidden or system files.

Any ideas on how to remove it? The original creator cannot access the file. The system is a Windows 2003 server with NTFS and SMB file sharing (normal windows file sharing).

ntfs

4 Answers

  1. Best Answer

    In the command prompt, you can put the name of the file in quotes (including the space). For example:

    del "failfile.txt "

    In Windows Explorer, you can go to Tools | Folder Options, click the View tab, and select "Show hidden files and folders." Then click OK and you'll see the file, and will be able to select and delete or rename it.

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  2. It's a while since this questions was asked, but I had the same problem and a simple delete on the command line did not work for.

    I had to use the shortened DOS file name to get rid of such an undeletable file. With dir /X you will get the shortened file names. Then use this name for the delete command: del failfi~1.txt.

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  3. write

    \\?\

    Before Absolute Path of file with the space at end.

    del "\\?\D:\MyPath\MyFile " /S

    Read more here:

    Click here for: Very good information page about Windows command DEL

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  4. Try del filename? or remove the hidden attribute first with attrib -h filename? followed by a del filename.

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