Q205345: CMD.exe Err w/ Path or File Name Exceeding Max_Path / 256 Char’s

Article: Q205345
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 4.0,4.5
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kberrmsgkbfixlist
Last Modified: 06-AUG-2002

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The information in this article applies to:

- Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0 
- Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0 
- Microsoft BackOffice Server versions 4.0, 4.5 
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SYMPTOMS
========

The DELETE or RENAME functions of the Cmd.exe utility may stop functioning
correctly if a path or file name exceeds either the max_path length setting or
256 characters on the NTFS file system partitions.

On drive X with a subfolder or file name that exceeds the max_path setting or 256
characters, an attempt to delete or rename the file or files may generate an
error message, such as "There are no more files" or "File not found."

CAUSE
=====

This problem occurs because Cmd.exe imposes a 256 character limit. NTFS does not
have this type of limit on file name length or total path length. The character
limit also applies when you use Cmd.exe on FAT partitions.

RESOLUTION
==========

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows NT Server
4.0, Terminal Server Edition. For additional information, click the following
article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

  Q152734 How to Obtain the Latest Windows NT 4.0 Service Pack


WORKAROUND
==========

To work around this problem, rename subfolders in the path to a file so that the
total path or file name is less than the max_path setting or 256 characters.
Start with subfolders that are closer to the root so that you are always working
with less than 256 characters.

For a file name that is not in a subfolder and that exceeds the 256 character
limit, you may be able to use the 8.3 alias to access the file, make a copy of
the file, and then rename the copy.

For paths and file names that exceed the limit and that are located on an NTFS
partition, use Windows Explorer to delete or rename the file.

STATUS
======

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that
are listed at the beginning of this article. This problem was first corrected in
Windows NT Server 4.0, Terminal Server Edition Service Pack 4.

Additional query words: Access Violation

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Keywords          : kberrmsg kbfixlist
Technology        : kbWinNTsearch kbWinNTWsearch kbWinNTW400 kbWinNTW400search kbWinNT400search kbWinNTSsearch kbWinNTS400search kbWinNTS400 kbAudDeveloper kbBackOfficeSearch kbBackOfficeServ400 kbBackOfficeServ450
Version           : :4.0,4.5
Hardware          : x86
Issue type        : kbprb
Solution Type     : kbfix

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