see and delete root files

hugh,

First a caution, be careful deleting files, especially those owned by root. If you created something as root, then it's fairly safe to delete. If it's a system file, you risk borking your system.

There are two methods to see root files:

1. Just use nautilus (GUI): Places > Computer

    Navigate to the place you want to inspect.

2. Use a terminal (console): Applications > Accessories > Terminal

    Use cd and ls to inspect:

    $ cd /path/to/inspect
    $ ls

If you are trying to view hidden files, then in nautilus, click the View menu, and select 'Show Hidden Files'. In a terminal you can view them using 'ls -a'

You won't be able to delete root owned files in Nautilus unless you run nautilus as root (in a terminal):

    $ gksu nautilus

To remove them in a terminal:

    $ sudo rm /path/to/<filename>

Or for directories:

    $ sudo rm -rf /path/to/<directoryname>

Consider yourself warned, if you break your system by deleting files you shouldn't have, then you own the pieces and are responsible.

Please report back to Launchpad and mark this question Solved if this resolves your question.

Thanks!

Harvey