Files, Folders, or Path Names with More Than 259 Characters Are Not Displayed (210631)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Datacenter Server

This article was previously published under Q210631

SYMPTOMS

When you create a new file or folder on a network share with a path containing more than 259 characters (including the drive letter and "\" characters) using Windows Explorer or the Search feature, the computer containing the share may not be able to access the file or folder. However, computers that connect to the share across the network can view the file or folder with a path containing more than 259 characters.

CAUSE

The longest file name or path that Windows Explorer can accept is 259 characters, including the drive letter and "\" characters.

RESOLUTION

Even though a folder that contains multiple long file names is not directly accessible from Windows Explorer, you can gain access to the files and folders by typing net path \\computername\path at a command prompt. You can also gain access to the files and folders at a command prompt using 8.3 file names (for example, Longfi~1.txt).

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:11/21/2003
Keywords:kbpending kbprb KB210631