Explorer ErrMsg: Cannot Rename (or Find) the Specified File...

The information in this article applies to:

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you are working in Windows Explorer, trying to rename, delete, or move a file that appears to have an underscore in its filename generates a file access error. For example, trying to rename a file generates the following error:

   Error Renaming File

   Cannot rename C:\file_: Cannot find the specified file.
   Make sure you specify the correct path and filename.

CAUSE

This error occurs when the file includes extended ANSI characters that Windows Explorer does not recognize in its filename. Windows Explorer displays unrecognized characters as underscores. Some MS-DOS-based applications use extended ASCII characters (such as line-drawing characters) in filenames to protect important files from accidentally being changed in any way.

RESOLUTION

To rename, move, or delete the file, open an MS-DOS prompt, and make the changes from the command line using the appropriate ANSI characters. Consult the ANSI character set to determine which numeric code corresponds to the extended character in the filename.