How to Disable Automatic Short File Name Generation

ID: Q210638

The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 4.0, 4.0 SP1, 4.0 SP2, 4.0 SP3, 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 4.0, 4.0 SP1, 4.0 SP2, 4.0 SP3, 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows NT Server, Enterprise Edition versions 4.0, 4.0 SP4
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Professional
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Server
  • Microsoft Windows 2000 Advanced Server

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about editing the registry. Before you edit the registry, make sure you understand how to restore it if a problem occurs. For information about how to do this, view the "Restoring the Registry" Help topic in Regedit.exe or the "Restoring a Registry Key" Help topic in Regedt32.exe.

SUMMARY

If you have not installed any 16-bit applications on a Windows NT-based computer, you can turn off automatic short (8-character name, 3-character extension) file name generation to speed up file and folder access on your computer running Windows NT.


MORE INFORMATION

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

For information about how to edit the registry, view the "Changing Keys and Values" Help topic in Registry Editor (Regedit.exe) or the "Add and Delete Information in the Registry" and "Edit Registry Data" Help topics in Regedt32.exe. Note that you should back up the registry before you edit it. If you are running Windows NT, you should also update your Emergency Repair Disk (ERD).

To disable automatic short file name generation, follow these steps:

  1. Click Start, click Run, type regedt32, and then click OK.


  2. On the Windows menu, click HKEY_LOCAL_ MACHINE on Local Machine.


  3. Double-click the \SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem folder.


  4. Double-click the NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation value, type the number 1 in the Data box, and then click OK.


  5. Quit Registry Editor, and then restart the computer.


NOTE: Existing files using the short name format will still be available to 32-bit programs, but all files created after this change is implemented will be unavailable to older 16-bit programs.

Additional query words:

Keywords : kbenv
Version : WINDOWS:2000; winnt:4.0,4.0 SP1,4.0 SP2,4.0 SP3,4.0 SP4
Platform : WINDOWS winnt
Issue type : kbinfo


Last Reviewed: January 25, 2000
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