Error Message: This File Could Not Be Found <Filename>

• Microsoft Windows 95

SYMPTOMS

When you try to open a file in a 16-bit version of Microsoft Word for Windows or Microsoft Excel, you receive the following error message:

   This file could not be found <Filename>.

   This file could not be found <Filename.ext>

CAUSE

These error messages occur when you try to open a file whose 8.3 filename contains a space. The space can be created in the filename by a 16-bit Windows-based program that uses a Windows 95 common dialog box. The filename is invalid because the 8.3 filename format does not allow spaces.

RESOLUTION

To correct the problem, rename the file to remove the space. To do so, follow these steps:

1. Start Windows Explorer.

2. Locate the file you want to rename.

3. Use the right mouse button to click the file and then click Rename on the menu that appears.

4. Type a new name (or the same name) for the file and then press ENTER.

MORE INFORMATION

If you type the same name for the file in Windows Explorer, Windows Explorer creates a long filename with the space, and an 8.3 filename with no space. When you open the file in a 16-bit Windows-based program there is no space in the filename. For example, if you name a file "Test Doc.doc" in Windows Explorer, the 8.3 filename that you see in 16-bit Windows-based programs is Testdo~1.doc.