Empty input type file doesn't work in IE

Question

I wrote this simple javascript code:

$("input[type='file']").attr("value", "");

It works in Firefox and Chrome but not in IE (I tried in IE9)

What's the good approach to empty the input type file value ?

Thank you

possible duplicate of [how to reset (clear) file input](http://stackoverflow.com/questions/9011644/how-to-reset-clear-file-input) — Quentin, Apr 26 '12 at 05:50

mprabhat · Accepted Answer · 2012-04-26T06:25:04.467

10

There are some restriction on input type = file

You can read here

This seems to be working in IE8, IE9

$("input[type='file']").replaceWith($("input[type='file']").clone(true));

To test in IE8 I changed the compatibility mode in developer tool to IE8

Edit:

As for many IE hacks I think this is better

    if($.browser.msie){
        $("input[type='file']").replaceWith($("input[type='file']").clone(true));
    } else {
        $("input[type='file']").val('');
    }

edited Apr 26 '12 at 06:25

answered Apr 26 '12 at 06:17

mprabhat

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works fine with `$("input[type='file']").replaceWith($("input[type='file']").clone(true));` – Snake Eyes Apr 26 '12 at 06:46
glad :) If IE continues the same way wont be too long to see this in common (https://4ormat.com/signup) (check this page in IE ;)) – mprabhat Apr 26 '12 at 06:49
LOL, IE becomes ugly, very ugly – Snake Eyes Apr 26 '12 at 07:30
The same issue is in Opera. But this solution doesn't work for Opera:/ – Zoltan Kochan Sep 27 '12 at 14:35

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Apr 26 '12 at 05:51

1

jQuery docs says:

As of jQuery 1.6, the .attr() method returns undefined for attributes that have not been set. In addition, .attr() should not be used on plain objects, arrays, the window, or the document. To retrieve and change DOM properties, use the .prop() method.

Use .prop()

answered Apr 26 '12 at 05:51

maialithar

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I tried now with prop like `$("input[type='file']").prop("value", "");` but not works in IE9... – Snake Eyes Apr 26 '12 at 05:54
Check this: http://stackoverflow.com/questions/1299052/jquery-get-the-file-name-selected-from-input-type-file. – maialithar Apr 26 '12 at 06:06

Empty input type file doesn't work in IE

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