ErrMsg: The Directory Name Is Invalid

ID: Q164545

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Windows NT Workstation versions 3.51, 4.0
Microsoft Windows NT Server versions 3.51, 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

Where %SystemRoot% will be the drive and directory name where NT is installed, and xxxx is a value equal to or greater than 2048.

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 (>) 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.

Additional query words: Pipe redirection invalid

Keywords : kbenv kbbug4.00 kbbug3.51 ntdosap NTSrvWkst
Version : WinNT:3.51,4.0
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbbug