The information in this article applies to:
- Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.1, 3.11
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).