rmdir [Drive:]Path [/s] [/q]rd [Drive:]Path [/s] [/q][Drive:]Path: Specifies the location and name of the directory that you want to delete.
/s: Removes the specified directory and all subdirectories including any files. Use /s to remove a tree.
/q: Runs rmdir in quiet mode. Deletes directories without confirmation.
/?: Displays help at the command prompt.
rmdir at the Recovery ConsoleThe rmdir command, with different parameters, is available from the Recovery Console.
You cannot delete a directory that contains files, including hidden or system files. If you attempt to do so, the following message appears:
The directory not emptyUse the dir command to list hidden and system files, and the attrib command to remove hidden and system attributes from files.
If you insert a backslash () before the first directory name in path, the directory is treated as a subdirectory of the root directory, regardless of your current directory. If you do not insert a backslash before the first directory name in path, the directory is treated as a subdirectory of the current directory.
You cannot use rmdir to delete the current directory. You must first change to a different directory (not a subdirectory of the current directory) and then use rmdir with a path. If you attempt to delete the current directory, the following message appears:
The process cannot access the file because it is being used by another process.
To delete a directory named UserSmith, first ensure that the directory is empty. To do this, type:
dir usersmith /aOnly the . and .. symbols should display.
Then, from any directory except UserSmith, type:
rmdir usersmithTo delete the directory User and all of the subdirectories and files, type:
rmdir /s user| Format | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Italic | Information that the user must supply |
| Bold | Elements that the user must type exactly as shown |
| Ellipsis (…) | Parameter that can be repeated several times in a command line |
| Between brackets ([]) | Optional items |
| Between braces ({}); choices separated by pipe ( | ). Example: {even |
| Courier font | Code or program output |