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How to delete folders recursively in DOS

Hi,

I have a folder named Test with sub directorties. I'd like to be able to create a simple batch file that deletes all folders within test and test's sub directories that match a supplied name. I know how to create the batch command but im not sure how i can create the recursive delete using a DOS command.

i.e if i want to delete any folder with the name "garbage" with in the folder test and its sub directories is there a command I can issue such as

rmdir c:\test\ "garbage" -s - q

that will delete all folders with test including any folder named "garbage" within the folder test recursively.

Thanks,

knightEknight

c:
cd c:\test
for /f %%D in ('dir/s/b/ad ^| find/i "garbage" ') do @echo rd/s/q %%D

knightEknight

I left in the @echo clause just so you can see what it will do before actually doing it. You will therefore need to remove the @echo in order for it to actually remove the garbage folders.

flyingsky

rmdir /s <directory name>

MBUNITED

ASKER

Hi knightEknight,

Whats the actual commad i need to put in the batch file is it

cd c:\test
for /f %%D in ('dir/s/b/ad ^| find/i "garbage" ') do rd/s/q %%D

Im currently getting the error message
%%D was unexpected at this time.

knightEknight

In a batch file you must use two percent (%) symbols as you have shown above.
On a command prompt (e.g. not in a batch file) you must use only one, e.g. for /f %D in ...

knightEknight

so yes, in a batch file, the command you posted looks correct. I'm re-posting to add surrounding quotes, and an IF clause to check for the directories existence, since the parent directories may be removed before the children:

c:
cd c:\test
for /f %%D in ('dir/s/b/ad ^| find/i "garbage" ') do if exist "%%D" rd/s/q "%%D"

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knightEknight

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MBUNITED

ASKER

Thanks knightEknight that worked