deleting a file or directory

[divadgnol67]

This is not an openbsd question per se. But I am unable to delete the following directory > "Pink_Floyd-Wish_You_Were_Here_(Japan,_TOCP-65560)"

I alwas get the following error > "syntax error: `(' unexpected"

I know this must be a complete newb problem but I swear I'm not a complete newb. If the answer requires further study of a man page or understanding of syntax please point me in the right direction.

Thanks,

divadgnol67

[divadgnol67]

Obvoiusly quotes are not part of directory name. I am able to access files inside of directory via mp3blaster

[jggimi]

You cannot delete this because the file name includes shell special characters, such as "(" and ")".

You should be able to delete by tab completion, if the shell you are using has the feature (and the default ksh should have it), or escape them manually with a backslash "\" character, or by surrounding the filename with quote characters (").

Have you tried just using tab completion? e.g.:

$ rm -rf Pink {press your tab key after typing the first part of the directory name}

Some special names, such as those that begin with a special character like "+" can also be deleted by leading the filename with the directory. For example, to delete a file called +CONTENTS in the current directory, you can do so by issuing:

$ rm ./+CONTENTS

So in this case, you might try:

$ rm -rf ./Pink {tab completion}

[BSDfan666]

If there is no other directory that starts with "Pink", just rm -rf Pink*

[divadgnol67]

That worked....Thank you both very much. What documentation can I study up on to get a better understanding of special shell characters. Is there a man page for me to read. Thanks again, really.

[divadgnol67]

One day I hope to able to contribute back and help someone like myself. You both have helped me several times in the past to gaining a better understanding of unix and openbsd.

[jggimi]

The man page for the shell you are using is a great place to start. e.g.: for ksh, use the "man ksh" command, then use the search feature ("/<keyword>") to find what you're looking for.

In this case, try /Command syntax

[divadgnol67]

Will do, thanks.