Unable to Delete Folders with Non-Standard MS-DOS Names

ID: Q201129

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
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.

SYMPTOMS

When you try to use Windows NT Explorer to delete a folder on a shared resource, you may be unable to delete the folder if its name does not comply with the MS-DOS 8.3 naming convention. This includes file names that contain spaces or are longer than eight characters plus a three-character file extension.


CAUSE

This behavior can occur when you configure the NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation value in the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem
You can also configure this setting through System Policies under "Default Computer\Windows NT System\File system\Do not create 8.3 file names for long file names."


RESOLUTION

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 resolve this problem:

  1. Start Regedt32.exe and locate the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem key.


  2. Double-click the NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation value.


  3. Type 0 in the Data box.


  4. Click OK, and then quit Regedt32.exe.


  5. Quit Windows NT, and then turn off your computer.


  6. Turn on your computer, and then restart Windows NT.


To work around this problem, use any of the following methods:
  • Use Windows NT Explorer to delete the folder locally on the server on which it resides.


  • Use File Manager to delete the folder remotely or locally.


  • Type a command at the command prompt to delete the folder remotely or locally.


Additional query words: policy

Keywords :
Version : winnt:4.0,4.0 SP1,4.0 SP2,4.0 SP3,4.0 SP4
Platform : winnt
Issue type : kbprb


Last Reviewed: June 7, 1999
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