Can't delete directory with space in name

budhead · 09-15-2004, 11:51 AM

After extracting a tar file that created a directory with a space in the name (New Directory) I cannot delete that directory. The command returns a message that the directory does not exist. I've tried rmdir New, rmdir Directory, rmdir NewDirectory, rmdir New_Directory, and of course, rmdir New Directory. Nothing works. I can delete it from the GUI, but not from the CLI. Any ideas (yes, I'm interested to know how to do it from the CLI even though I can do it from the GUI--I've just GOT to know )??

rjtucke · 09-15-2004, 11:54 AM

rm New\ Directory

rjtucke

geniarse · 09-15-2004, 11:56 AM

space is ignored by commands as interpreted as end of file. to remove file "Space Between.txt" use:

Code:

rm Space\ Between.txt

p.s I thought I might draw your attention to tab completion. type the first few letters of the file/directory name hit tab and the name will be completed. If multiple files/directories with same beginning letters exist tapping tab twice will show a list of matching files

budhead · 09-15-2004, 11:57 AM

Thank you!!!!!!

Fixit7 · 12-02-2014, 09:14 AM

Trying to delete System Volume Information directory.

This does not work.

rm -r /mnt/sdb1/System\ Volume Information

pan64 · 12-02-2014, 09:16 AM

My god, so can't you add a second \ ?

szboardstretcher · 12-02-2014, 09:46 AM

What he means is:

Code:

rm -r /mnt/sdb1/System\ Volume\ Information

Really learn about tab completion as this kind of escaping is made quicker.

Arcosanti · 12-02-2014, 10:08 AM

Another way is to put the file name in quotes using the apostrophe mark.

Example:

rm 'file with space'

Fixit7 · 12-02-2014, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Arcosanti

Another way is to put the file name in quotes using the apostrophe mark.

Example:

rm 'file with space'

It did not work on my system.

Fixit7 · 12-02-2014, 10:27 AM

rm -rf 'system volume information' works.
That dir had sub dirs.

Fixit7 · 12-02-2014, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by pan64

My god, so can't you add a second \ ?

If you can not cheerfully help, please don't answer any posts !!

szboardstretcher · 12-02-2014, 10:38 AM

Report it to the mods if you disagree with it, no use in starting an argument and filling up the thread with flames.

Have you gotten around to using tab-completion as advised? You make no further mention of it, and it is truly the best way for dealing with filenames and directories with special characters.

Also, replies like:

Quote:

It did not work on my system.

Are useless. You should always point out what you've tried, what you typed, a copy/paste of the input and output, if you expect any kind of effective help.

Fixit7 · 12-02-2014, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by szboardstretcher

Report it to the mods if you disagree with it, no use in starting an argument and filling up the thread with flames.

Have you gotten around to using tab-completion as advised? You make no further mention of it, and it is truly the best way for dealing with filenames and directories with special characters.

I found a good answer and am happy with it.

Take care.

I would think that moderators read posts, but I did report it.