How to Disable Automatic Short File Name Generation (210638)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP2
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP1
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP2
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP3
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition 4.0 SP4
This article was previously published under Q210638

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SUMMARY

If you have not installed any 16-bit applications on a Windows NT-based computer, you can turn off automatic short (8-character name, 3-character extension) file name generation to speed up file and folder access on your computer running Windows NT.

MORE INFORMATION

WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To disable automatic short file name generation, follow these steps:
  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedt32, and then click OK.
  2. On the Windows menu, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine.
  3. Double-click the \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem folder.
  4. Double-click the NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation value, type the number 1 in the Data box, and then click OK.
  5. Quit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer.
NOTE: Existing files using the short name format will still be available to 32-bit programs, but all files created after this change is implemented will be unavailable to older 16-bit programs.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/14/2003
Keywords:kbenv kbinfo KB210638
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.