RD Command with /S and "" Parameters Deletes All Subdirectories (247409)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
This article was previously published under Q247409

SYMPTOMS

If you run the RD command with the /S and "" parameters at a command prompt in Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000 Beta Version, all the subdirectories are deleted, even if you receive the following error message:
The system cannot find the path specified.

CAUSE

The RD command in Windows NT 4.0 uses the NULL string as the current working directory.

RESOLUTION

Microsoft recommends that you do not use a NULL string as a directory name.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be an issue in Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 2000 Beta version.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/9/2002
Keywords:kbenv kberrmsg kbprb KB247409
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.