Deleting a File

DEL or ERASE

The DEL or ERASE command is used to delete a file or group of files.

• The ? and * wild cards may be used in file named in deletion command.
• This command can be used to delete files of another drive.

Syntax

DEL [drive:] [path] filename [ext]

where,

drive : drive containing the files to be deleted.

path  : location of the file.

file name: name of the file (with extension) to be deleted.

ext  : extension of file to be deleted.

Example 1

C:\>DEL CLASS9(press enter key)

It deletes the file CLASS9 of the hard disk(C: drive)

Example 2

C:\>DEL*.OPT(press enter key)

It is used to delete those files which have extension OPT.

C:\>ERASE*.*(press enter key)

It deletes all files of the root directory (C:\>)

It also prompts : Are you sure (Y/N)?

Press Y to delete,

Press N to cancel the command.

Note :Be careful while using this command it may delete your system files which you need to boot the computer.

C:\>DEL A:\COMPUTER (press enter key)

It deletes file COMPUTER of A : drive from C: drive.

C:\>DEL ?E ????.* (press enter key)

It deletes those files which have second letter E in their file name (e.g. TEACHER.OPT,TEACHER)