Unable to Delete File or Directory in File Manager (101654)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.1
This article was previously published under Q101654

SYMPTOMS

An attempt to delete or manipulate a file or directory fails.

CAUSE

The name of the file or directory ends with a space or a period. Because the Win32 file naming convention does not allow trailing spaces or periods, File Manager cannot delete such a file. Applications developed for Windows NT should not support creating such a file.

RESOLUTION

To delete one of these files or directories, type DIR /X in a Windows NT Command Prompt to determine its shortname. Then specify the shortname to the DEL command.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:10/29/2003
Keywords:KB101654
©2003 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.