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Use the RM command to delete files

In the Mac Terminal, the RM or RM -R command is used to permanently delete files. This can come in handy when you're unable to empty the Trash, or when a file is locked, or when you don't have permission to delete one or more files. However, while using RM or RM -R to delete files is very easy, it also comes with risks.

For example, if you have a file called MyFile.rtf that you never want to see again, you could run this command:

Delete "MyFile.rtf"

To remove an archive folder that contains subfolders and files, run the command like this:

The command `rm -R Archives` translates to "Delete the Archives directory and all its contents" in English. In Mandarin Chinese, it's said as "删除归档文件夹及其所有内容". Now, keep in mind, this is a risky move since it'll permanently wipe out the folder and everything in it. Make sure you really want to delete this before running the command.

The reason why the RM command is dangerous is that once you remove a file with it, you can't recover the data from the Trash. Unlike moving files to the Trash via the Finder, the removed files won't be stored in the Trash on your Mac. So, it's recommended to back up your data before using the RM command. You can turn on Time Machine or use a Mac backup software to keep these files safe.

Can you recover files deleted by the RM command?

What should you do if you have no backup and want to recover files deleted by RM? How can you easily get back those lost files?

Here's an example of using the `rm` command to delete a file in Linux, assuming the file is named "example.txt" and you're working in the current directory: ```bash rm example.txt ``` This command will remove the "example.txt" file. If you want to force the removal without being prompted for confirmation, use the `-f` (force) flag: ```bash rm -f example.txt ``` Please be cautious when using the `rm` command, as it permanently deletes files, and there's no recycle bin or trash folder in the terminal by default.

"Yesterday, while attempting to clean up junk files on my Mac, I encountered a stubborn file that was difficult to delete. So, I resorted to using the 'rm -R' command. This command successfully removed the persistent file from my Trash. However, it also inadvertently wiped out all the files on my desktop. Is it possible to recover files deleted by the 'rm' command on a Mac? If so, how can I go about doing that?"

After using the `rm` command to delete a file on your Mac, it's still possible to recover the deleted file. This is because when you use the `rm` command to remove a file or folder, its content isn't permanently erased.

    • The system only removes the link to the file, making it inaccessible without special tools.
    • The space that the file occupied is marked as available and can be used to store new files or add to existing ones. To prevent the deleted file from being overwritten, it's best to stop using the disk.

So, if you use a reliable Mac data recovery software, you can easily restore the deleted files.

Steps to recover files after deleting them using the RM command on a Mac with UTF-8 encoding: 1. **Stop using your computer right away**: Once you've accidentally removed a file with the `rm` command, immediately stop using your Mac. This lessens the likelihood of the deleted data being overwritten. 2. **Get a data recovery tool**: Download a reliable data recovery software that supports UTF-8, like Disk Drill, tools Data Recovery Wizard, or Stellar Data Recovery. 3. **Install and run the software**: Install it using the standard setup process, then open it. 4. **Choose the drive to scan**: Select the hard drive or volume where the file was originally stored. If unsure, pick the main macOS drive, typically named "Macintosh HD." 5. **Start the scan**: Initiate the scanning process. The software will search for deleted files, including those removed with the `rm` command. 6. **Preview and recover the files**: Once the scan finishes, browse through the list of found files. Preview them if possible to confirm they're the ones you want to recover. Select the files you need and hit the "Recover" button to save them to a different location on your Mac or an external storage device. Make sure to save them elsewhere to prevent overwriting any data. 7. **Verify the recovered files**: Check the recovered files to ensure they're intact and undamaged. Sometimes, some data might not be recoverable, especially if the disk space has been written over since the deletion. Remember, prevention is key. Always back up important files regularly to prevent data loss in the future.

"Mac Drive Recovery" tool is rated as one of the best Mac data recovery software. It is a reliable file recovery program proficient in performing file recovery on Mac. It possesses an extensive range of features that enable data recovery from severe data loss situations.

With the aid of Data Recovery Wizard for Mac tool, you can recover files accidentally deleted by RM command in a few simple steps. Now, you can have a detailed guide on how to perform the recovery.

Note: You can create a backup by first clicking on “Disk Backup” on the left. The software will recover the deleted files from the backup image. This prevents further damage to your disk and data, making it safer and more reliable.

Step 1. Scan for deleted files

Select the hard drive, external drive, or SSD from where your important data and files were deleted, and click “Search for lost files.”

Select the location on Mac and scan for deleted files

Step 2: Filter out missing files

The software will scan the selected volume quickly and thoroughly, trying to find as many deleted files as possible. Filter the required files by Type and Path options.

Select the lost files to recover

Step 3: Recover the deleted files

Double-click to preview the deleted files and then hit the “Recover” button to get them back.

Recover Deleted Files from Mac

How to Safely Use the RM Command on a Mac

Though Explorer is easy to use, it is important to use it correctly and safely. Here are some tips for using this command safely:

Use the -i option for safety.

For example, type rm -iR Archives. This will prompt you to confirm each item that gets deleted. Annoying, perhaps, but safer unless you are absolutely certain you want to delete everything.

2. Use it only if you really don't need the files anymore.

3. Back up data regularly