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Q137939: Shortcut to MS-DOS-Based Program Limited to 62 Characters

Article: Q137939
Product(s): Microsoft Windows 95.x Retail Product
Version(s): 95
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): win95
Last Modified: 17-DEC-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows 95 
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SYMPTOMS
========

When you double-click a shortcut for an MS-DOS-based program, you may receive
the following error message:

  Cannot find the file '<Path>.' Make sure that the file exists on your
  system and that the path and filename are correct.

CAUSE
=====

Shortcuts for MS-DOS-based programs are stored in .pif files rather than in .lnk
files. The maximum length for a command line in a .pif file is 62 characters. If
the command line is longer than 62 characters, you receive the error message
stated above.

RESOLUTION
==========

To work around this limitation, use either of the following methods:

- Reinstall the MS-DOS-based program to a folder with a shorter path, and then
  create a shortcut to the new location.

- Create a batch file in the Windows folder that runs the MS-DOS-based program,
  and then create a shortcut to the batch file.


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Keywords          : win95 
Technology        : kbWin95search kbZNotKeyword3
Version           : 95

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