File#delete not deleting files

Question

I need to delete a directory containing some files. I am using the following code:

public static void delete(File f) {
  if (f.isDirectory()) {
    for (File c : f.listFiles()) {
      delete(c);
    }
  }
  f.setWritable(true);
  f.delete();
}

For some reason, some files inside the directory, and hence the directory does not get deleted. What could be the possible reasons for this behavior, and how can I solve this problem?

They could be used and locked by another process, or yours. Or you may simply not have the rights. — Denys Séguret, Jun 11 '12 at 10:27
I invoked `System.gc()` as suggested in [this thread](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/991489/i-cant-delete-a-file-in-java), and it worked. — missingfaktor, Jun 11 '12 at 11:59

score 1 · Answer 1 · answered Jun 11 '12 at 10:28

1

It could be that the file is open somewhere, assuming you have write permisions to the directory. Trying to delete a file which hasn't been properly closed is a common source of strange failures to delete. After the program exists you find that the file can be deleted.

answered Jun 11 '12 at 10:28

Peter Lawrey

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The file in question isn't likely open. Its grand-grand-parent is. But I don't know if that should be a problem. – missingfaktor Jun 11 '12 at 12:00
I invoked `System.gc()` as suggested in [this thread](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/991489/i-cant-delete-a-file-in-java), and it worked. – missingfaktor Jun 11 '12 at 12:00
This means there are some files which have been discarded without being closed. The solution is to make sure that a file is always closed in a `finally` block so it is even closed if an exception is thrown. Or use Java 7's ARM. – Peter Lawrey Jun 11 '12 at 12:13
but no exceptions are being thrown. – missingfaktor Jun 11 '12 at 12:16
In that case they are simply being discarded. – Peter Lawrey Jun 11 '12 at 12:17
Okay. Is calling `System.gc` a bad idea in this case? – missingfaktor Jun 11 '12 at 13:12

File#delete not deleting files

1 Answers1