re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' Sunday, June 29, 2008 at 4:27 pm Windows 98 Annoyances Discussion Forum Posted by Moskaluk (1 messages posted) I ran into the same problem. The error message is misleading. It really should say that the target path/file names are too long. I was copying to a new computer and my new location had a longer pathway name. Just shorten your path folder names that you are putting the files into. I know this an old thread, but I used it today. On Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 7:38 am, Bob Harris wrote: >Every system has some limit on file name and/or totoal length of path plus file name. > For windows it is about 256 characters, I think. For some CD file systems it is >smaller. the number is nearly always a multiple of 2 (e.g., 64, 128, 256, etc). > >Unfortunately, just because you can create a file or a directory tree, does not mean >that you can work with it. Windows, even up through XP, will permit you make files >and directories that it can not fully use. Microsoft probably calls that a "feature". > We users call it a "bug". > >As for your problem, here are a couple of ideas: > >(1) Try using WINZIP to squeeze the whole directory structure that you wish to copy >into a *.ZIP file. If it works, that file can be copied. Once copied, you can UNZIP >it, if you wish. > >(2) Write a batch script to rename files. In any editor create a file named something >like NAMEX.BAT. Do not choose a name that is the same as a system command! Use >DIR to get a list of files, then set up a bunch of lines in the batch file like RENAME >long.xxx short.xxx, where long.xxx is the very long name and short.xxx is a shorter >name. the shorter name can be greater than 8.3. > >(3) Use windows explorer to shorten the name of a few directories in the too-long >path/file. > >(4) Download CKNAME, free from http://www.musicsucks.com/CKSoft/index.htm. It can >rename many files easily through a simple windows interface. > > Written in response to: re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Bob Harris: Saturday, November 23, 2002 at 7:38 am) There are presently no replies to this message. All messages in this thread [show all] Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Henry: Fri, Nov 22, 2002, 8:14 pm) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Gary: Fri, Nov 22, 2002, 9:40 pm) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Henry: Fri, Nov 22, 2002, 11:12 pm) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (L. H. LOO: Sat, Nov 23, 2002, 6:19 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Bob Harris: Sat, Nov 23, 2002, 7:38 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Kenny Leong: Wed, May 12, 2004, 10:26 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Moskaluk: Sun, Jun 29, 2008, 4:27 pm) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Paul D: Sat, Nov 23, 2002, 7:52 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Kenny Leong: Wed, May 12, 2004, 10:16 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Lance Hill: Fri, Oct 1, 2004, 7:41 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (William Ashley: Sat, Apr 9, 2005, 7:12 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Lance: Mon, Apr 11, 2005, 2:31 pm) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Kenny Leong: Wed, Jul 27, 2005, 2:20 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (Ralph Maddox: Mon, Feb 13, 2006, 3:43 pm) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (John: Wed, Apr 11, 2007, 1:19 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (gewg_: Wed, Apr 11, 2007, 11:05 am) re: Can't copy b/c ''filename or extension is too long'' (KS: Sun, Apr 6, 2008, 11:09 pm) Reply or follow-up to this message Search this forum Start a new thread on a different subject Report abuse of the forum Return to the Windows 98 Discussion Forum