Windows 2000, Windows XP, and later syntax
Deletes one or more files.
DEL [/P] [/F] [/S] [/Q] [/A[[:]attributes]] names
ERASE [/P] [/F] [/S] [/Q] [/A[[:]attributes]] names
names
Specifies a list of one or more files or directories. Wildcards may be used to delete multiple files. If a directory is specified, all files in the directory will be deleted.
/P
Prompts for confirmation before deleting each file.
/F
Force deleting of read-only files.
/S
Delete specified files from all subdirectories.
/Q
Quiet mode, do not ask if ok to delete on global wildcard.
/A
Selects files to delete based on attributes.
attributes
R = Read-only files
S = System files
H = Hidden files
A = Files ready for archiving
- = Prefix meaning not (e.g., -h for not hidden).
If Command Extensions are enabled, DEL and ERASE change as follows:
The display semantics of the /S switch are reversed in that it shows you only the files that are deleted, not the ones it could not find.
Windows 2000 and Windows XP Recovery Console syntax
Deletes one file.
DEL [drive:][path]file name
DELETE [drive:][path]file name
[drive:][path]file name
Specifies the file to delete.
Delete only operates in the system directories of the current Windows installation, removable media, the root directory of any hard disk partition, or the local installation sources.
Del and delete do not support replaceable parameters (wildcards).
Windows 95, 98, and ME syntax
Deletes one or more files.
DEL [drive:][path]file name [/P]
ERASE [drive:][path]file name [/P]
[drive:][path]file name
Specifies the file(s) to delete. Specify multiple files by using wildcards.
/P
Prompts for confirmation before deleting each file.