File Manager: Association Fails if Path to Command Has Spaces

 Last reviewed: June 6, 1995
Article ID: Q124122
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 3.5
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server version 3.5

SUMMARY

In Windows NT version 3.5, a file association created in File Manager will fail if a directory in the path has spaces in its name.

For example: If WINWORD.EXE is located in D:\WIN32 APPS\WINWORD, choosing a .DOC file in File Manager displays a Program Not Found dialog box with the following message: 

   Cannot find WIN32.EXE.
   This file is needed to run files with the extension 'DOC.'
To work around this problem, edit the command string:

  1. From the File menu in File Manager choose Associate.

  2. Select DOC for the extension

  3. Choose Change Type.

  4. Enclose the complete path in quotes in the Command field.

  5. Choose OK.

NOTE: You can also modify the command string in the following location in the Registry: 

   \HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\<extension>\shell\open\command
where <extension> is the file type or extension you wish to modify. To work around this problem, include the complete path to the executable file in the command value.

WARNING: Using Registry Editor incorrectly can cause serious, system-wide problems that may require you to reinstall Windows NT to correct them. Microsoft cannot guarantee that any problems resulting from the use of Registry Editor can be solved. Use this tool at your own risk.

CAUSE

Spaces have historically been interpreted as characters separating arguments or commands from one another. Since Windows NT version 3.5 allows files and directories to contain spaces in their names, many programs may need to be modified to accommodate the new file and directory structure.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.5. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available. This problem was corrected in Windows NT version 3.51.

KBCategory: kbui kbtool kbbug3.50 kbfix3.51
KBSubcategory: ntui ntutil
Additional reference words: prodnt 3.50 blank winfile
"Cannot run program - Not enough memory to run application"

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Last reviewed: June 6, 1995
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