"Not Recognized" Error Using PKZIP.EXE with Ampersand (&) Switch

ID: Q130893

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Advanced Server version 3.1
Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.5, 3.51
Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.5, 3.51

SUMMARY

When you use PKZIP.EXE with the ampersand (&) switch to span multiple floppy disks, the following error message appears:

The name specified is not recognized as an internal or external command, operable program or batch file.

CAUSE

The ampersand switch is not interpreted by the Command Prompt (CMD.EXE) because it is a reserved command character, used to separate multiple commands on one line. Therefore, the characters following the ampersand are interpreted as a bad name.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, use the carrot character (^), above the "6" key, which allows you to input command characters as text. For example, to compress the C:\DATA directory over multiple floppy disks on the A drive, you would use the following command:

PKZIP A:\DATA.ZIP C:\DATA\*.* -^&

Alternatively, you can surround the ampersand character with quotes such as follows:

PKZIP A:\DATA.ZIP C:\DATA\*.* "-&"

PKZIP is manufactured by a vendor independent of Microsoft; we make no warranty, implied or otherwise, regarding these products' performance or reliability.

Additional query words: prodnt

Keywords : kb3rdparty kbusage nthowto
Version : 3.1 3.5 3.51
Platform : WINDOWS
Issue type :