ErrMsg: The Directory Name Is Invalid

• Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51 and 4.0
• Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51 and 4.0

SYMPTOMS

When using the Pipe I/O redirection command ("|" without the quotes) in a batch file or in an MS-DOS session from within Windows NT, the following error may occur:

   The directory name is invalid.

CAUSE

The environment size value for the Comspec variable was explicitly set to a value greater than 2048.

For example:

Under System Variables, the value for Comspec appears as follows:

   ComSpec %SystemRoot%\system32\cmd.exe /e:xxxx

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, perform one of the following:

• Remove the /e:xxxx switch from the Comspec environment variable.

  The ComSpec environment variable is dynamic for Windows. Removing the /e: switch and its value may allow proper execution of the command.

  -or-

• Use the redirection symbol (">" without the quotes) to perform the equivalent command.

  Example:

        DIR *.* | MORE  <enter>
  

  This command is equivalent to

        DIR *.* > PIPE0  <enter>
        MORE < PIPE0  <enter>
  

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in Windows NT version 3.51 and 4.0. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.