Linux Software Tip 19: Hard to erase files

Linux Software Tip 19: Hard to erase files

File names in Linux can have many letters and numbers in them. Usualy, names should not have spaces in them, although Linux can deal with them. There are some characters that should not be used in files, like "/" and "~".

Some programs unfortunately will create strange looking file names, often as temporary files. Using the rm command, you should be able to remove them, but it may be hard when strange alphanumeric characters are used. Here are a few ways you should try to get rid of a file with a strange name:

• First you should try the following:
  rm -f "file name"


• If this doesn't work you should try the console program mc.


• With graphical file managers, you should be able to pick an icon and remove it, regardless of the file name.

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