Using WINFILE.INI's LongFileNames= Setting (86993)

SUMMARY

In File Manager, to view network directories and files with long names greater than the MS-DOS standard convention, use the following entry in the WINFILE.INI file's [SETTINGS] section:

     longfilenames=1

This information applies to LAN Manager version 2.1. This entry works only for the LANMAN21.DRV driver used with Windows version 3.1; it does not work with Windows for Workgroups.

MORE INFORMATION

This switch does not exist in the WINFILE.INI file by default and must be added to see directories and files with long names greater than the MS-DOS convention. The MS-DOS convention is eight characters followed by a period (.), and then three more characters (for example, FILENAME.EXT).

Many networks, such as LAN Manager networks running on OS/2 servers, support directories and filenames greater than the MS-DOS standard convention.

FEATURES OF LONG FILENAME SUPPORT

You can rename a long filename to a shorter filename.
You can rename a short filename to a longer filename.
You can copy the long filename from one directory on the server to another directory on the server.
You can copy a long filename from the server to a local MS-DOS partitioned hard disk, but will receive the following message about needing to shorten the filename:
This path does not match the DOS format for filenames. Please enter a new name.
Windows 3.1's Association feature will not function on files with long names. For more information on the Association feature, refer to the pages 130-132 of the "Microsoft Windows User's Guide."
Windows 3.1 applications cannot open files with long names.

Write displays the following error message:
This filename is not valid.
Notepad displays the following error message:
Cannot find LONGFILENAME.EXT.

Do you want to create a new file?
Answering either Yes or No, creates a new untitled document.

Workaround

Rename the file to a short filename and then you can open it.

FEATURES OF LONG DIRECTORY NAME SUPPORT

File Manager will allow you to create directories with long names on the server after displaying the following message:
File Manager may not be able to access files created in the directory "X:\LONGDIRNAME".

Do you want to continue?
If a short filename or long filename file is located in a directory that has a long directory name, then the Run command under the File menu will be unavailable (dimmed).

KBCategory: kbnetwork kbusage
KBSubcategory: wfw wfwg win31