"NameNumericTail=0" Value Causes Problems for Some Programs

• Microsoft Windows 95
• Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry you should first make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat). Both are hidden files in the Windows folder.

SYMPTOMS

If you add the "NameNumericTail=0" value to the registry (as documented on page 688 of the Microsoft Windows 95 Resource Kit) and then run Windows 95 Setup, Microsoft Plus! Setup, or the Add/Remove Programs tool in Control Panel, programs in the Program Files folder may no longer work correctly.

For example, if you run The Microsoft Network or Microsoft Exchange, you may receive a "Program not found" error message with an option to locate the program.

CAUSE

When you add the "NameNumericTail=0" value to the registry, Windows 95 Setup, Microsoft Plus! Setup, or the Add/Remove Programs tool may change the short name for the Program Files folder. For example, if you run the Add/Remove Programs tool after you add the "NameNumericTail=0" value to the registry, the short name for the Program Files folder may be changed from Progra~1 to Programf.

If the short name for the Program Files folder is different from the name that the program you are trying to run expects, the program may not be able to locate the folders and files it needs.

RESOLUTION

NOTE: For information about how to edit the registry, view the Changing Keys And Values online Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe). Note that you should make a backup copy of the registry files (System.dat and User.dat) before you edit the registry.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall Windows 95. Microsoft cannot guarantee that problems resulting from the incorrect use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

To correct this problem, follow these steps:

1. Delete the value "NameNumericTail=0" from the following registry key:

         Hkey_Local_Machine\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem
   

2. Using Windows Explorer or My Computer, rename the Program Files folder to Programs.fld.

3. Rename the Programs.fld folder to Program Files.

MORE INFORMATION

Various tools and components installed in the Program Files folder may use short file names internally or during installation. If the short name for the Program Files folder is different from the short name expected by a tool or component, the problems described in this article may occur. This problem can affect any program installed in the Program Files folder.

The "NameNumericTail=0" value is not supported in Windows 95. Although this registry value works as expected, it can cause problems for Windows 95 components.