topic Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected in Get Started Discussions

Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

scharly3 — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 14:34:37 GMT

Hello,

On Azure Databricks i'm trying to remove a folder on the Repos folder using the following command :

databricks workspace delete "/Repos/xxx@xx.com"

I got the following error message:

databricks workspace delete "/Repos/xxxx@xx.com"
Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

Looks like this the folder is a special one, any idea how to remove it ?

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

Walter_C — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 17:55:15 GMT

Repos folders in Databricks are linked to the email addresses of users and are protected, meaning they cannot be deleted using the standard delete command. This is because these folders are special and are associated with the user's workspace.

Once a user is deleted from the workspace the folder should became a normal folder and you should be able to delete it until then.

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

scharly3 — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 17:58:38 GMT

Hello Walter,

Thanks for your help,

I'm the user that did create this folder and I do have a user folder under /Users/xxxx@xx.com and i'm fine with it.

This one in /Repos seems of as I only have my user in it.

Any way to force delete it without deleting myself from the company ? 😉

Regards,

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

Walter_C — Wed, 19 Jun 2024 19:11:36 GMT

The repo/username folder is your home folder and it is a system folder. Therefore, the folder cannot be deleted or renamed

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

MKTexas13 — Tue, 19 Nov 2024 21:48:50 GMT

We have run into a similar issue. We have a folder in our Repos path in the Workspace that is a user email address. We have tried removing the user from the workspace but we are getting the same error that the folder is protected. How can we resolve this @Walter_C

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

Walter_C — Wed, 20 Nov 2024 22:42:28 GMT

You have deleted the user from the workspace and the folder is still showing?

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

MKTexas13 — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 15:35:54 GMT

Yes. We sat on a call with the user & deleted them from the workspace. We then tried to delete the folder in Repos that was named the users email address but it said it was protected.

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

Walter_C — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 16:17:53 GMT

What is the method being used? What happen if you go in the UI and select the folder and select the option called move to trash?

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

Walter_C — Tue, 26 Nov 2024 22:19:55 GMT

Can you share with me an screenshot of the folder?

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

winstonharder — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:14:25 GMT

Hello Databricks Community,

The error message “Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected” in Azure Databricks indicates that you’re trying to delete a system-protected folder — typically linked to a user’s workspace, especially under the /Repos directory. These folders are automatically managed by Databricks and cannot be removed directly using the CLI. Instead of spending more time trying to force-delete it, it’s best to leave those folders as-is and manage your code repos from within the Databricks UI. While you're optimizing your setup, why not take a quick break and check out a free streaming app like MagisTV? You can easily download the MagisTV APK from their official website and enjoy a wide range of content — totally free!

Thanks a lot!!

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

MKTexas13 — Thu, 24 Apr 2025 15:55:18 GMT

To give an update on our issue, we had to wait at least 24 hours from when the user was removed to delete the folder.

Re: Error: Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected

winstonharder — Sun, 27 Apr 2025 11:31:12 GMT

Hello Databricks Forums,

When you see the Azure Databricks error message "Folder xxxx@xxx.com is protected," it means that you are attempting to remove a system-protected folder, which is usually connected to a user's workspace, particularly under the /Repos directory. Databricks manages these folders automatically, therefore the CLI cannot be used to remove them directly. It's preferable to keep such folders in their current state and manage your code repos from within the Databricks UI rather than wasting further time attempting to force-delete it. Why not take a moment to look at a free streaming app like MagisTV while you're fine-tuning your setup? You can enjoy a variety of stuff for free by just downloading the MagisTV APK from their official website!