Pompeius Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 On my WD external drive, I had backed up a my Ubuntu home folder, from ages ago. I don't need it, so I want to delete it. The problem is, that when I try to delete it, it says "The file name you specified is invalid or too long". I tried to delete it using the rmdir /s command, but it failed as well. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
markwolfe Veteran Posted June 7, 2009 Veteran Share Posted June 7, 2009 Linux allows more characters in filenames than Windows does, so you might be running into problems with the filename. Two options come to mind. 1. Use the "shortname" from a Windows(DOS) command prompt. This is the name that has the tilde in it, and and limited to the "8 plus 3" filename, like "progra~1" 2. Boot your Ubuntu LiveCD and delete it from there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ceminess Posted June 7, 2009 Share Posted June 7, 2009 If you use dir /x it will show the shortnames in the command prompt. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mattfart Posted October 8, 2012 Share Posted October 8, 2012 With that kind of error message, you certainly would like to try using Long Path Tool to delete that. I have been having that kind of problem and someone referred me to this site: http://longpathtool.com/ and it did work :) I had it downloaded and loved the free trial. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Growled Member Posted October 8, 2012 Member Share Posted October 8, 2012 I always keep a Linux LiveCD for things like this. Usually Puppy these days. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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