How Do I Delete a File on My Server?

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When you are managing your files on your server, you may need to delete files off the server. You can delete files several different ways from your server. You can connect with an FTP program like FileZilla and delete files, or you can Use your cPanel File Manager. Below are the steps to delete a file from your server using File Manager and FTP.

How to delete a file through File Manager

You can use the cPanel file manager to delete files from your server. Below are the steps to delete a file from your server using the File Manager.

  1. Login into your cPanel
  2. Go to the File Manager, Select your domain where you want to delete the files and click Go.
  3. Navigate though your files to locate the file you want to delete. Right click the file and select Delete from the pop up menu.
    Right click to delete in File Manager

     

     
  4. Confirm the file is deleted. Now the file will be gone from the server..
    Confirm the delete File Manager

     

     

How to delete a file through FTP

To delete files using FTP, you can follow the steps below. This will only explain how to delete through FileZilla. Other FTP clients should work basically the same.

  1. Open FileZilla and connect to your server.
  2. Navigate to the file you want to delete on the server. Right click the file and select delete.
    Right click to delete in FileZilla

     

     
  3. Click OK to confirm the delete Now your file is no longer on the server.
    Confirm the delete in FileZilla

     

     

17 thoughts on “How Do I Delete a File on My Server?

  1. not what I was looking for. I was trying to find out WHERE the backup files are stored so I can delete and make more room…but finding THAT information is like looking for a needle in a haystack. Everyone knows how to delete files…this video is not real beneficial imo.

    1. In general, backup files are kept in the same location as your server files. This is changed only if you are designating that the backup files be located elsewhere – and it also depends on the application being used to make the backups. If you are unable to see the backups or manage them, then you should contact our live technical support team for help in that matter. If the backup system is in our control, then we should be able to help provide you with an answer or at least point you in the right direction.

  2. Hello!

    I have more websites.I would like to upload image to the site through wordpress and I got the following error message:Missing a temporary folder.The reason is
    probably:The file usage is on full.I don’t know what kind of files should I to delete from the server.Can you help me?

    1. Unfortunately, we do not have authorization to access your files to advise what can be deleted. However, generally speaking, if you have any extra backup files, download them then remove them from the server. Additionally, if you are a customer of InMotion Hosting, you may reach out to our Live Support for further assistance with maintaining your files.

  3. Hello

    Please may you help me.  I have added images to my wordpress site and deleted some.  I have been told that I have no more space and to free up space I would need to remove temp files and those I deleted that leave an imprint.

    Please can you help me on how I can do this without interfering with my website and the images that are already in use.  Many thanks

    Sheena

    1. You may want to contact Live Support so they can walk with you through the files that need to be deleted. You can tell them which ones and they may be able to go ahead and clear up some space for you.

  4. Hi,

    i need your help please,

    recently i have been blamed by my company that i have deleted files from server and there is no back up with the IT neither IT are able to recover this data, they put allegations that I used  a special software to permanently delete files.

     

    kindly advise how can i defend my self as I never did any thing like this.

     

    thankyou in advance,

    Regards

    Ahsan

  5. i suggest that you use  “Long Path Tool” its an amazing tool google it AND will solve your problem

     

  6. hi John, 

      my website was developed with wordpress, but now i no longer want wordpress. i deleted the wordpress files from my host server and i uploaded a new file, but it gives me a 403 forbidden error. please i need to fix this asap

  7. Hi John,

    I have developed a website using wordpress. Am trying to delete infected files in a folder through filezilla, am getting the “550 could not delete single.php: Operation not Permitted” message. How to resolve this issue.

     

    Thanks in Advance

  8. I am able to delete files just fine. What I am unable to do is delete empty folders. Is there a trick for this?

    1. Hello kara,

      Thank you for your question. You should be able to delete a file with File Manager, or FTP , as described above.

      If you are not able to delete a file, you may want to check the file/folder permissions as described here.

      If your problems persist, please provide more information such as an error message, or details on what happens when you try to delete the folder.

      If you have any further questions, feel free to post them below.
      Thank you,

      -John-Paul

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