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Q246316: Information About Interix and Filenames

Article: Q246316
Product(s): Microsoft Windows NT
Version(s): 2.2.1,2.2.2,2.2.3,2.2.4
Operating System(s): 
Keyword(s): kbenv
Last Modified: 24-OCT-2000

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The information in this article applies to:

- Interix versions 2.2.1, 2.2.2, 2.2.3, 2.2.4 
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SUMMARY
=======

Currently, the Interix system does not have a single-rooted file system. In
Microsoft Windows NT, multiple volumes are available by using drive letters. To
use Interix to obtain access to these volumes, you must use the syntax "//L"
(where L must be an uppercase letter).

This requirement directly affects your code porting process. Configure scripts,
makefiles, and objects such as file selection boxes in X programs do not make
allowances for the "special" volume prefix.

There are two scenarios where this is an issue:

- Configure scripts assume the absolute locations of certain utilities ->
  /bin/rm or /bin/sh. On an Interix system, sh is located in $Interix_ROOT/bin
  ($OPENNT_ROOT deprecated). In shell scripts of pathnames passed to functions
  /bin/sh will not work.

- Even if absolute locations (such as //C/Interix/bin) are defined for the
  current installation, these will not be correct on systems where Interix is
  installed on a different volume.

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

For additional information, see the "Porting Applications in C" Tech Note at the
following Interix Web site:

  http://www.interix.com/newinterix/main_technotes.htm

Additional query words: depricated

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbenv 
Technology        : kbInterixSearch kbUNIXSearch kbInterix221 kbInterix222 kbInterix223 kbInterix224
Version           : :2.2.1,2.2.2,2.2.3,2.2.4
Issue type        : kbinfo

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