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I was trying to add something to $PATH and it went totally wrong. I now can't run any commands such as ls. I've looked at this answer and used the following lines:

PATH=/usr/bin:/bin:/usr/sbin:/sbin:/usr/local/bin:/usr/X11/bin
PATH=$PATH:~/bin

These lines fix the problem temorarily; however, when I restart terminal it seems to forget these changes.

How do I permanently reset my $PATH?

I'm running the most recent version of Mountain Lion.

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4  
Fixed it: /bin/rm ~/.bash_profile – Nosrettap Jan 18 at 22:03
2  
Good question. You could always put your fix in an answer. – bassplayer7 Jan 18 at 22:43
Also asked on superuser – glenn jackman Jan 19 at 1:00
1  
Realizing you already fixed your problem, users with a similar issue might also find help at /etc/paths – BigDave Jan 21 at 12:37

1 Answer

up vote 0 down vote

Remove the your bash profile to restore the default $PATH. Enter the following command into Terminal.app:

/bin/rm ~/.bash_profile

The change will take place with the next shell or terminal session.

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Answering, based on original questioner's comments, to remove the question from the unanswered queue. – Graham Miln Jan 25 at 12:41
2  
Well, if you want to keep other content of your profile, a simple /bin/mv ~/.bash_profile ~/bash_profile might be better – patrix♦ Jan 25 at 17:40

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