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Q90450: Windows for Workgroups File Manager and Extended Characters

Article: Q90450
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 3.x Retail Product
Version(s): WINDOWS:3.1,3.11
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 06-OCT-1999

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11 
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SYMPTOMS
========

The Microsoft Windows for Workgroups File Manager may be unable to manipulate
files or directories whose names contain extended characters. Starting an
application from File Manager by double-clicking a filename that contains an
extended character may fail, or File Manager may not display the extended
characters correctly and attempt to change to a directory name containing an
extended character.


STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows for Workgroups versions
3.1 and 3.11. We are researching this problem and will place more information
here as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION
================

Each character available to the operating system has a unique number. MS-DOS
reserves characters 0 through 31 for control characters. The keyboard contains
characters 32 through 127. The characters 128 through 255 are referred to as
"extended characters."

Although MS-DOS may allow the use of these extended characters in filenames and
directory names, the Windows for Workgroups File Manager may have difficulty
manipulating files and directories named in this manner.

Steps to Reproduce Problem for Directory Name
---------------------------------------------

1. At an MS-DOS command prompt, create a directory with an extended character
  embedded in its name. For example,

  a. Type:

  md test

  b. Press ALT+255 (255 on the numeric keypad not on the keyboard).

  c. Type:

  dir

  d. Press ENTER.

2. From the Windows for Workgroups File Manager, attempt to double-click the
  newly created TEST DIR. Note that File Manager represents the directory as
  TEST_DIR, and that attempts to make it the current directory result in being
  returned to the root directory of the current drive.

Steps to Reproduce Problem for a Filename
-----------------------------------------

1. At an MS-DOS command prompt, copy an existing ASCII text file to a filename
  that contains an extended character. For example, to use the SETUP.TXT file
  in the WINDOWS directory, type the following at the WINDOWS directory MS-DOS
  command prompt:

  copy \windows\setup.txt \windows\test<ALT+255>fil.txt

  NOTE: <ALT+255> means press ALT+255 (255 on the numeric keypad and not
  on the keyboard).

2. From the Windows for Workgroup File Manager, double-click the newly created
  TEST FIL.TXT. Note that File Manager represents the file as TEST_FIL.TXT, and
  returns the follow message:

  File Manager cannot find the specified file (or one of its components). Make
  sure the path and filename are correct and that all required libraries are
  available.

Additional query words: 3.10 3.11

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbAudDeveloper kbWFWSearch kbWFW310 kbWFW311
Version           : WINDOWS:3.1,3.11

=============================================================================

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