git: can't find blob - want to get rid of it from pack

Question

I\'ve a large blob that I want to get rid of! I thought I removed the file using this solution: http://dound.com/2009/04/git-forever-remove-files-or-folders-from-history/ (I

Answer 1

Having the same issue. Discovered my troublesome blob is referenced by an unreachable tree. Adding to the git-find-blob script:

git fsck --full --unreachable | \
while read unreachable obj tree
do
    if [[ ! $obj == "tree" ]]; then
        continue
    fi
    if git ls-tree -r $tree | grep -q "$obj_name" ; then
        echo "$unreachable $obj $tree"
    fi
done

I was able to remove the blob using BFG Repo-Cleaner but I'd be much happier solving the problem using native git commands.