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Q130893: "Not Recognized" Error Using PKZIP.EXE with Ampersand (&) Switch

Article: Q130893
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 3.1 3.5 3.51
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kb3rdparty kbusage
Last Modified: 08-AUG-2001

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.1 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.1 
- Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server, version 3.1 
- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51 
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SUMMARY
=======

When you use PKZIP.EXE with the ampersand (&) switch to span multiple floppy
disks, the following error message appears:

  The name specified is not recognized as an internal or external command,
  operable program or batch file.

CAUSE
=====

The ampersand switch is not interpreted by the Command Prompt (CMD.EXE) because
it is a reserved command character, used to separate multiple commands on one
line. Therefore, the characters following the ampersand are interpreted as a bad
name.

WORKAROUND
==========

To work around this problem, use the carrot character (^), above the "6" key,
which allows you to input command characters as text. For example, to compress
the C:\DATA directory over multiple floppy disks on the A drive, you would use
the following command:

  PKZIP A:\DATA.ZIP C:\DATA\*.* -^&

Alternatively, you can surround the ampersand character with quotes such as
follows:

  PKZIP A:\DATA.ZIP C:\DATA\*.* "-&"

PKZIP is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty,
implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: prodnt

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Keywords          : kb3rdparty kbusage 
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNT351search kbWinNT350search kbWinNTW350 kbWinNTW350search kbWinNTW351search kbWinNTW351 kbWinNTW310 kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS351 kbWinNTS350 kbWinNTS310 kbWinNTAdvSerSearch kbWinNTAdvServ310 kbWinNTS351search kbWinNTS350search kbWinNTS310search kbWinNT310Search kbWinNTW310Search
Version           : 3.1 3.5 3.51

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