---
title: "Problems deleting files"
date: "2014-12-22"
category: "ftp"
slug: "problems-deleting-files"
---

FTP is a convenient way to manage files, but in multi-user environments you may encounter errors when trying to delete files owned by other users.

## Cause

FTP enforces [UNIX discretionary access controls](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Discretionary_access_control) (DAC). Without the required permissions, files owned by a different user cannot be deleted or modified by the currently logged-in FTP user.

## Solutions

There are four ways to resolve this:

1. **Change file ownership** to match the logged-in FTP user. Use **Files** > **File Manager** > **Properties** (under the **Actions** column) in the [[logging-into-the-control-panel]].

2. **Use the File Manager** to delete the files directly. The File Manager bypasses DAC restrictions for the primary account user.

3. **Set permissions to 777** on the directory and its contents recursively via the File Manager's **Properties** dialog. This allows any user to delete the files, but is extremely insecure and should only be used as a temporary measure. See [[permissions-overview]] for details.

4. **Log in as the file owner** via FTP to delete the files. For files owned by `apache` (the web server), the primary account holder can delete them 24 hours after creation -- a nightly task adjusts permissions automatically.

## See Also

- [[permissions-overview]]
