How to get past the 250 character limit on Windows file copying
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Google Query: cannot remove folder filename or extension too long
I was copying some files from an older file server to a newer file server when I ran across the above error. After some Googling, I was reminded of a Windows “feature” that I have not had to deal with before. Apparently there is a 250 character limit on the Windows file path when copying files to a different location. This is not a limitation of NTFS, but a “feature” of Windows explorer shell.
Anyway, it is something that you just have to deal with. There are a few approaches that you could take.
-Delete all the user’s files and smack them for using such long filenames and burying their files “20,000 folders under the C:” .
*Note the above method will probably get you fired (would it be worth it though?)
-Find some way to shorten the file path so you can copy it over.
It just so happens that the above method can be achieved without a loss of employment using the Windows SUBST command to create a virtual drive that is mapped to a folder on your Windows machine.
-Open up the command prompt by going to “Start->Run” and typing “cmd”
-In the command prompt window type the following:
subst v: "c:\path\to\your\ridiculous\unnecessarily\buried\folder\under\a\folder\under\a\folder"
Now instead of trying to copy “c:\path\to\your\ridiculous\unnecessarily\buried\folder\under\a\folder\under\a\folder\file.txt”
You will be copying “v:\file.txt”
When you are done with the virtual drive you can unmap it by typing the following at the command prompt:
subst v: /d
That’s it! If you are a user reading this, please try to use more sensible file organization techniques. If you are an IT professional, congratulations for not strangling your users. Happy File Copying!
Technorati Tags: Windows, File System, File Server Maintenance, Users Never Learn
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Wray said:
C:\now\who\would\do\some\thing\like\that\?
Can’t be done with either:
1) not logged in due to forgotten pw
2) the ESC key continually pressedJanuary 18th, 2008 at 7:43 pm
