Windows for Workgroups File Manager and Extended Characters

• Microsoft Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1, 3.11

SYMPTOMS

The Microsoft Windows for Workgroups File Manager may be unable to manipulate files or directories whose names contain extended characters. Starting an application from File Manager by double-clicking a filename that contains an extended character may fail, or File Manager may not display the extended characters correctly and attempt to change to a directory name containing an extended character.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows for Workgroups versions 3.1 and 3.11. We are researching this problem and will place more information here as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

Each character available to the operating system has a unique number. MS-DOS reserves characters 0 through 31 for control characters. The keyboard contains characters 32 through 127. The characters 128 through 255 are referred to as "extended characters."

Although MS-DOS may allow the use of these extended characters in filenames and directory names, the Windows for Workgroups File Manager may have difficulty manipulating files and directories named in this manner.

Steps to Reproduce Problem for Directory Name

1. At an MS-DOS command prompt, create a directory with an extended character embedded in its name. For example,

   a. Type:

            md test
   
      b. Press ALT+255 (255 on the numeric keypad not on the keyboard).
   
      c. Type:
   
            dir
   
      d. Press ENTER.
   
   

2. From the Windows for Workgroups File Manager, attempt to double-click the newly created TEST DIR. Note that File Manager represents the directory as TEST_DIR, and that attempts to make it the current directory result in being returned to the root directory of the current drive.

Steps to Reproduce Problem for a Filename

1. At an MS-DOS command prompt, copy an existing ASCII text file to a filename that contains an extended character. For example, to use the SETUP.TXT file in the WINDOWS directory, type the following at the WINDOWS directory MS-DOS command prompt:

         copy \windows\setup.txt \windows\test<ALT+255>fil.txt
   

   NOTE: <ALT+255> means press ALT+255 (255 on the numeric keypad and not on the keyboard).

2. From the Windows for Workgroup File Manager, double-click the newly created TEST FIL.TXT. Note that File Manager represents the file as TEST_FIL.TXT, and returns the follow message:

         File Manager cannot find the specified file (or one of its
         components). Make sure the path and filename are correct and
         that all required libraries are available.