How to Delete a Duplicate File in DOS

So you want to delete a duplicate file in DOS. "DOS," or "Disc Operating System," is the operating system that pre-dates Windows on PCs, and is still available with all Microsoft Windows operating systems, up to and including Windows 7. Many programs still run in DOS, and some computer professionals use DOS for programming and other tasks.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with Microsoft operating system

1. If you are in Windows, open a DOS window, or command prompt. Click on the Start button, then run. Type "cmd" into the box and click OK.

2. Change to the directory or folder in which you wish to delete a file. To do this, type cd\ and the name of the directory/folder. If it is a folder within a folder, for example the All Users folder within Documents and Settings, type the following: "cd\Documents and Settings\All Users".

3. Delete the file. Type "del\filename.ext". Make sure you type the exact file name, including its extension (the letters that come after the period).

4. To delete all the files in a folder, type "del\foldername". It will ask you if you are sure; type "y" for yes.

5. To remove an entire folder, type "rd\foldername".

References

• MS-DOS del command
• Learning MS-DOS basics