Does typing this >>> del /f /s /q /a “C:\Windows <<< into the command prompt under Admin control do anything?

[CWCprime]

Pardon me if this sounds vague or kind of noobish. I was trying to forcibly delete a persistent font that wouldn't delete through the fonts folder. When I was trying to type the next "\" after "Windows" I hit Enter on accident instead (the Enter key is right below "\"), and it ran the prompt. Several items came up like "Deleted file - blah blah blah", but it was also accompanied by "Access denied". I was afraid perhaps I deleted something important and now Windows 8 would be unstable or something and I would have to reformat. I've restarted my PC several times, and everything seems to be okay.

I'm a bit of a worry-wart, stuff I don't know much about bothers me. Looking back I shouldn't have been going into Command Prompt as Administrator willy nilly like I did. Live and learn I guess. Just need to have some fears quelled is all.

 

[USAFRet]

Command line
del

/f - Forces deletion of read-only files.
/s - Deletes specified files from the current directory and all subdirectories. Displays the names of the files as they are being deleted.
/q - Specifies quiet mode. You are not prompted for delete confirmation.


So it deleted some files, but you have no idea which ones.
The fact that things seem to be running "okay" just means that you and the system has not yet needed to run or access whatever it was that got deleted.
This will crop up at some point later.

 

[CWCprime]

Damn, that's what I was afraid of. That's the last ****ing time I google and use some random website for advice. This is a learning experience, for sure.

Not sure what to do now. Had I been smart I would've screencapped the command prompt window for reference, but I was caught up in the moment. Anyone running 8.1 wanna run the prompt to without quiet mode to see what was possibly deleted?

I really don't want to reformat, but I am afraid of something not working in the future now. Agh!

EDIT: Instead of having to reformat, I'm wondering if just upgrading to Windows 10 would solve the problem. Assuming it's possible to upgrade with the deleted files, I may just go ahead with this scenario to fix it.

 

[USAFRet]

Damn, that's what I was afraid of. That's the last ****ing time I google and use some random website for advice. This is a learning experience, for sure.

Not sure what to do now. Had I been smart I would've screencapped the command prompt window for reference, but I was caught up in the moment. Anyone running 8.1 wanna run the prompt to without quiet mode to see what was possibly deleted?

I really don't want to reformat, but I am afraid of something not working in the future now. Agh!

EDIT: Instead of having to reformat, I'm wondering if just upgrading to Windows 10 would solve the problem. Assuming it's possible to upgrade with the deleted files, I may just go ahead with this scenario to fix it.

Yes, installing Win 10 will fix it, as this is a whole new OS.
You'll have to buy it, of course. The free Upgrade ran out in July.