Unable to delete files via php on Linux

burnham · 05-24-2005, 06:11 AM

Hello,

I have a script that unzips new files received on the linux server, processes the relevant files then deletes the unwanted ones. Unfortunately I can not delete the unwanted files.

I have checked the error log and found this:

replace {A3AACBC6-A493-4289-B041-4A33E114BA6C}.txt? [y]es, [n]o, [A]ll, [N]one, [r]ename: NULL
(assuming [N]one)

I do not know what this means, so am stuck in figuring out any further. Any help would be really appreciated.

Thank you

Jay

eddiebaby1023 · 05-24-2005, 07:37 AM

Is it a PHP script that's processing and deleting the files? I generally write a shellscript when I want to do stuff like that and exec it from PHP.

Ynot Irucrem · 05-24-2005, 09:07 AM

looks like the command you are using to replace the files is asking for confirmation before it will overwrite, but since it is a script i.e. not interactive, there is no-one to give any answer (y, n, A, N, or r), so it defaults to not overwriting. what command are you using to replace the files? there might be a switch/parameter that will force overwriting without asking for confirmation, which should fix that problem.

EDIT: hey cool, I'm not a newbie anymore - im a member!

burnham · 05-25-2005, 05:21 AM

It is a PHP script that's processing and deleting the files. The code in question is:

Code:

if(is_file($TXTfilename))
  {
   if(!unlink($TXTfilename))
     {
      logmessage("failed to delete $TXTfilename...<br>\n");
     }
  }

I have checked the php manual to see if unlink can take any parameters but unfortunately not.

Are you suggesting replacing this with:

Code:

$output = shell_exec('rm $filename');

Although doesn't rm prompt you with 'do you really want to delete' then you have to press 'y'?

Thank you

Jay

Ynot Irucrem · 05-26-2005, 08:31 AM

I know a *little* php, but from the looks of that code, you obviously know much more.
you can use the "-f" swith to force rm to delete files. i.e.

Code:

$output = shell_exec('rm -f $filename');

trickykid · 05-26-2005, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by Ynot Irucrem
I know a *little* php, but from the looks of that code, you obviously know much more.

Doesn't know too much more if he didn't know how to use a simple -f (force) option with the rm command.. Sorry, no pun intended, just consider yourself above him when it comes to shells rather than PHP..

Ynot Irucrem · 05-26-2005, 08:56 AM

what i meant is he knows more php, not overall. o well.... free ego boost.