Shared Icon Does Not Appear After Sharing a Folder with a LFN

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation version 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server version 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When you share a folder with a long filename on a FAT partition, Windows NT Explorer may not display the shared icon. Also, you cannot administer the shared folder from Windows NT Explorer, but the share can be seen from network clients.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the path for the shared folder is stored in the registry as a short filename (for example, C:\Progra~1). The path is stored this way if the RunOnce registry option executed a file in the same folder during the most recent reboot. The path specified for the RunOnce registry option is also stored as a short filename (SFN). Explorer.exe does display the shared icon if a SFN is used in the path to the shared folder.

RESOLUTION

Perform the following steps to resolve this problem:

1. Type the following at a command prompt to delete the share:

         net share <sharename> /d
   

   where <sharename> is the path to the shared folder.

   NOTE: For assistance with the NET SHARE command, please type the following at a command prompt:

         net share /?
   

2. Shut down and restart your computer.

3. Use Windows NT Explorer to share the folder.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

MORE INFORMATION

The RunOnce registry parameter is used to run an application one time when you logon on the subsequent reboot. Primarily, setup programs use RunOnce to perform tasks on subsequent reboots. RunOnce is documented in the Windows NT Resource Kit.