Q86993: Using WINFILE.INI’s LongFileNames= Setting
Article: Q86993
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 3.1,3.11
Operating System(s):
Keyword(s):
Last Modified: 05-FEB-2002
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows versions 3.1, 3.11
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
SUMMARY
=======
In File Manager, to view network directories and files with long names greater
than the MS-DOS standard convention, use the following entry in the WINFILE.INI
file's [SETTINGS] section:
longfilenames=1
This information applies to LAN Manager version 2.1. This entry works only for
the LANMAN21.DRV driver used with Windows version 3.1; it does not work with
Windows for Workgroups.
MORE INFORMATION
================
This switch does not exist in the WINFILE.INI file by default and must be added
to see directories and files with long names greater than the MS-DOS convention.
The MS-DOS convention is eight characters followed by a period (.), and then
three more characters (for example, FILENAME.EXT).
Many networks, such as LAN Manager networks running on OS/2 servers, support
directories and filenames greater than the MS-DOS standard convention.
FEATURES OF LONG FILENAME SUPPORT
---------------------------------
1. You can rename a long filename to a shorter filename.
2. You can rename a short filename to a longer filename.
3. You can copy the long filename from one directory on the server to another
directory on the server.
4. You can copy a long filename from the server to a local MS-DOS partitioned
hard disk, but will receive the following message about needing to shorten
the filename:
This path does not match the DOS format for filenames. Please enter a new
name.
5. Windows 3.1's Association feature will not function on files with long names.
For more information on the Association feature, refer to the pages 130-132
of the "Microsoft Windows User's Guide."
6. Windows 3.1 applications cannot open files with long names.
Write displays the following error message:
This filename is not valid.
Notepad displays the following error message:
Cannot find LONGFILENAME.EXT.
Do you want to create a new file?
Answering either Yes or No, creates a new untitled document.
Workaround:
Rename the file to a short filename and then you can open it.
FEATURES OF LONG DIRECTORY NAME SUPPORT
---------------------------------------
1. File Manager will allow you to create directories with long names on the
server after displaying the following message:
File Manager may not be able to access files created in the directory
"X:\LONGDIRNAME".
Do you want to continue?
2. If a short filename or long filename file is located in a directory that has
a long directory name, then the Run command under the File menu will be
unavailable (dimmed).
KBCategory: kbnetwork kbusage
KBSubcategory: wfw wfwg win31
Additional query words: lfn 3.10 3.11 grey gray grayed greyed
======================================================================
Keywords :
Technology : kbWin3xSearch kbZNotKeyword3 kbWin310 kbWin311
Version : :3.1,3.11
=============================================================================
THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND. MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. IN NO EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.
Copyright Microsoft Corporation 1986-2002.