How do I delete a .txt file with TSQL, without using xp_cmdshell

Question

I am trying to use TSQL to delete a .txt file at the end of a process. My restriction is that I cannot use xp_cmdshell. I had tried using the undocumented xp_delete_file but from what I can find it will only delete SQLServer native .ldf or .bak files. Is there another approach that can be used? I am running in SQL server 2008 R2.

Solution

Use SQL Server Agent CmdExec job step? This can run "del"...

http://msdn.microsoft.com/en-us/library/ms190264.aspx

In step 8 you'd have del c:\importpath\toasted.txt

Your comment to your question states you are running a "SQL job", so no need to overkill with CLR or sp_OA% solutions :-)

Comments

[Matthew]

Your answer is better than mine :)

[brian]

Yes good answer gbn, keep it simple. You could also do it in powershell: remove-item "c:\importpath\toasted.txt"

[Admin]

Thanks gbn. That worked. It was the obvious answer under my nose that I was missing. I used the powershell remove step.