Correcting Illegal Directory Names With DELTREE and MOVE (93592)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.0
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.2
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.21
  • Microsoft MS-DOS operating system 6.22
This article was previously published under Q93592

SUMMARY

The MS-DOS DEL command cannot be used to delete a directory with a blank space in the name (for example "C:\MY WORK"). However, you can use the MS-DOS programs DELTREE and MOVE to delete or rename these directories.

MORE INFORMATION

Some utilities and installation programs allow you to create directory names with illegal characters (such as spaces). Because a directory name with a space or other illegal character is not expected, DEL was not designed to work with them.

Using DELTREE to Delete Illegal Directories

The DELTREE program can be used to delete illegal directories. For example, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:

DELTREE "MY WORK"

NOTE: You must type the quotation marks.

Using MOVE to Rename Illegal Directories

The MOVE program can be used to rename illegal directories. For example, type the following at the MS-DOS command prompt:

MOVE "MY WORK" MY_WORK

NOTE: You must type the quotation marks.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/19/1999
Keywords:KB93592
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