[SOLVED] History utility error in Linux Mint 14; cannot delete history

mintyninja41 · 03-21-2013, 07:05 PM

I am running a 32-bit Linux Mint 14 (Nadia, with MATE) on my Compaq Presario V2000. It has otherwise functioned normally (excepting an error with a video capture program-but that's another story). However, since installation of the OS, in the MATE terminal emulator, I have not been able to delete history of commands via the command "history -c" in the terminal emulator. I've googled around, but I haven't found a solution. I am not terribly adept at the Linux command line, though I've needed to use it to install wireless firmware (learned that by googling), and so I am not sure where the history utility logs these entries. Again, when the command is used in an instance of the terminal, the history appears cleared in that terminal instance, but opening a new terminal window and pulling up the history shows the histories that I have seemingly deleted. If I may, where is the history stored, so I can delete the logged commands?

Thank You.

jv2112 · 03-21-2013, 09:14 PM

The bash history file is typically set in your home directory as a hidden Filip ( .) . The name is usually dictated by your .bashful. file in your home directory.

Just empty..... >history

shivaa · 03-21-2013, 11:34 PM

Is history command exist there? Perhaps it's your working shell which isn't allowing history command to run. So first switch to bash or csh/tcsh and then try again, as:

Code:

~$ bash
OR
~$ csh
OR
~$ tcsh
~$ history -c

Also you can:

Code:

~$ cat /dev/null > ~/.bash_history

powerball · 03-22-2013, 06:36 AM

Hi booklover, yeah man the ".bash_history" file is what you want to edit. It's in your ~/ directory and a hidden file so that's why you couldn't find it. I like this command to turn off history in KDE:

Code:

echo "unset HISTFILE" >> /etc/profile