This guide describes several ways to remove files or directories if they cannot be deleted via FTP.
If your FTP client reports an error while deleting files or folders, there are several methods you can try.
In many cases, simply renaming the file or directory via your FTP client resolves the problem. Rename it to a short name such as 1, 2 or 3, then try deleting it again via FTP.
If the files still cannot be removed, we recommend using SSH. It is usually the fastest and most reliable way to remove files, especially when dealing with directories containing a large number of files.
You can also delete files using one of the following methods:
- SSH
- The File Manager in the ruTorrent WebUI
- Direct HTTP access to your files (if enabled)
Delete Files via SSH
To remove a single file:
rm /path/to/file
For example:
rm ~/downloads/example.iso
To remove an empty directory:
rmdir /path/to/directory
To remove a directory together with all files and subdirectories:
rm -rf /path/to/directory
For example:
rm -rf ~/downloads/example_directory
Notes
- Trying to rename the file or directory via your FTP client before deleting it often resolves FTP deletion issues.
- Using SSH is usually the fastest and most reliable method of removing files and directories.
- Be careful when using rm -rf, as it permanently deletes files and directories without confirmation.
- If you are still unable to remove the files after trying the methods above, please contact our support team for further assistance.
