Why can't I name a file con

[zaskar]

Its an abreviated name for a file but Windows will not let me

[Ally]

zaskar > wrote:

> Its an abreviated name for a file but Windows will not let me
>

Because con is used for the console, I guess.

Open a command prompt ("start -> run...", type "cmd.exe"), locate a
text file or create on ("edit test.txt" will do), then try to make a
copy of that file called "con" (type "copy test.txt con") -- it will
be dumped to the console (i.e. into the command prompt window)
instead.

To do that the other way round, type "copy con test2.txt" -- anything
you type into the console will end up in the file test2.txt.

~Ally

--
Never send a monster to do the work of an evil scientist.

[Unknown]

Certain words are reserved and that is one of them.
"zaskar" > wrote in message
...
> Its an abreviated name for a file but Windows will not let me

[Ken Blake]

In ,
zaskar > typed:

> Its an abreviated name for a file but Windows will not let me


This restriction goes back to the earliest days of DOS. "Con" is
a reserved word, one with a DOS meaning (console), and
unavailable for use as a file name. There are other similar names
that can't be used, like "prn."

--
Ken Blake
Please reply to the newsgroup