KnowledgeBase Archive

An Archive of Early Microsoft KnowledgeBase Articles

View on GitHub

Q128959: Error Message: This File Could Not Be Found <Filename>

Article: Q128959
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): 
Last Modified: 17-DEC-2000

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SYMPTOMS
========

When you try to open a file in a 16-bit version of Microsoft Word for Windows or
Microsoft Excel, you receive the following error message:

  This file could not be found <Filename>.

After you click OK, you receive another similar message:

  This file could not be found <Filename.ext>

CAUSE
=====

These error messages occur when you try to open a file whose 8.3 filename
contains a space. The space can be created in the filename by a 16-bit
Windows-based program that uses a Windows 95 common dialog box. The filename is
invalid because the 8.3 filename format does not allow spaces.

RESOLUTION
==========

To correct the problem, rename the file to remove the space. To do so, follow
these steps:

1. Start Windows Explorer.

2. Locate the file you want to rename.

3. Use the right mouse button to click the file and then click Rename on the
  menu that appears.

4. Type a new name (or the same name) for the file and then press ENTER.

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

If you type the same name for the file in Windows Explorer, Windows Explorer
creates a long filename with the space, and an 8.3 filename with no space. When
you open the file in a 16-bit Windows-based program there is no space in the
filename. For example, if you name a file "Test Doc.doc" in Windows Explorer,
the 8.3 filename that you see in 16-bit Windows-based programs is Testdo~1.doc.

======================================================================
Keywords          :  
Technology        : kbWin95search kbZNotKeyword3

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

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.