“The system cannot find the path specified.” when trying to delete a deeply nested folder tree using cmd.exe rd /s

by James McDonaldFeb 16, 2026IT Tips0 comments

rem single quotes don't work
E:\>rd /s '\\?\E:\Downloads'
'\\?\E:\Downloads', Are you sure (Y/N)? Y
The filename, directory name, or volume label syntax is incorrect.

rem use double quotes work
E:\>rd /s "\\?\E:\Downloads"
\\?\E:\Downloads, Are you sure (Y/N)? y

0 Comments

Submit a Comment Cancel reply