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Deleting files with VERY long file names



 
 
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  #1  
Old February 13th 11, 11:20 AM posted to alt.windows7.general
Alf
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 29
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will not delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So far I have tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just clicking on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old DOS commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


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  #2  
Old February 13th 11, 12:54 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Clog_-_wog (®)
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 36
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

"Alf" schreef in bericht
om...
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So far I
have tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just
clicking on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with
old DOS commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf

Use Unlocker
http://www.filehippo.com/download_unlocker/

[q]
Cannot delete folder: It is being used by another person or program
Cannot delete file: Access is denied
There has been a sharing violation.
The source or destination file may be in use.
The file is in use by another program or user.
Make sure the disk is not full or write-protected and that the file is not
currently in use.

Unlocker can help! Simply right-click the folder or file and select
Unlocker. If the folder or file is locked, a window listing of lockers will
appear. Simply click Unlock All and you are done!
[q/]

  #3  
Old February 13th 11, 02:54 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
GlowingBlueMist[_4_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 36
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

On 2/13/2011 4:20 AM, Alf wrote:
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will not delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So far I have tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just clicking on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old DOS commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


When in DOS or the Command Prompt as Windows 7 calls it did you try
deleting the file with the long name by using the short name as shown
with a dir /x while in the directory with the bad file?

The short name shown with the /x option will be a form of the long name
but limited to 8 characters.

  #5  
Old February 14th 11, 12:25 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Alf
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 29
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

I didn't try Unlocker (even though I use it) because I had to be able to right click on the file to bring up Unlocker in the context menu and couldn't do that (error sound). I did, however, try
Unlocker on the folder. When it didn't find anything locked it gave me the option to delete. I tried it and voila! Thanks!

And thanks to the other posters that responded.

Alf


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  #6  
Old February 14th 11, 03:58 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
R. C. White
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,058
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

Hi, Alf.

As suggested by GlowingBlueMist and Andrew Rossman, you can use the Command
Prompt and those old DOS commands to delete those files.

First, navigate (CD for Change Directory) to the directory where those files
reside. If your foldernames are too long for CD to do it in one fell swoop,
you can CD one level at a time to get there.

Then remember the /x switch with the Dir command. This lists the SFN (Short
File Name) for any file whose LFN (Long File Name) does not comply with the
ancient 8.3 filename rules. (For those reading along, even a
single-character filename can be an LFN if that single character is one that
does not comply with the 8.3 rules.) The SFN will be in a column before the
LFN, but only for LFNs that don't also qualify as SFNs.

If your folder has too many files to comfortably use dir /x for the whole
list, then use a wildcard to shorten the list; it should still work. This
command produces the SFN for both Program Files (PROGRA~1) and Program Files
(x86) (PROGRA~2) in my Windows folder:
Dir pro* /x

Then just use the Del command with the SFN: del PROGRA~1

If you need to get rid of a folder, rather than a file, remember to use rd
(Remove Directory) rather than Del.

As usual in a Command Prompt window, just type any command followed by /? to
see a mini-Help file listing the switches and parameters available with that
command.

RC
--
R. C. White, CPA
San Marcos, TX

Microsoft Windows MVP (2002-9/30/10)
Windows Live Mail Version 2011 (Build 15.4.3508.1109) in Win7 Ultimate x64
SP1 RC


"Alf" wrote in message
om...

I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So far I
have tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just
clicking on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old
DOS commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf

  #7  
Old February 14th 11, 09:31 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Clog_-_wog (®)
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 36
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

"Alf" schreef in bericht
. com...
I didn't try Unlocker (even though I use it) because I had to be able to
right click on the file to bring up Unlocker in the context menu and
couldn't do that (error sound). I did, however, try
Unlocker on the folder. When it didn't find anything locked it gave me the
option to delete. I tried it and voila! Thanks!


Anytime, sir!

And thanks to the other posters that responded.

Alf


  #8  
Old March 8th 12, 01:57 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
danielfird
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

Alf wrote on 02/13/2011 05:20 ET :
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So far I have
tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just

clicking
on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old DOS
commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


Posted with NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 1
Web @ http://www.newsleecher.com/?usenet

Hi all, I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even renaming files
that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried various ways
but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then I have found a
solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path Tool. To use the
program all you need to do is to download this program online and save all the
settings to your computer. This program is compatible with Windows NT, 2000,
XP,
Vista and Windows 7. you can find it from longpathtool(dot)com

best regards
DanielFird
  #9  
Old March 8th 12, 04:47 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Jeff Layman
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 621
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

On 08/03/2012 12:57, danielfird wrote:
Alf wrote on 02/13/2011 05:20 ET :
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So far I have
tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just

clicking
on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old DOS
commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


Posted with NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 1
Web @ http://www.newsleecher.com/?usenet

Hi all, I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even renaming files
that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried various ways
but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then I have found a
solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path Tool. To use the
program all you need to do is to download this program online and save all the
settings to your computer. This program is compatible with Windows NT, 2000,
XP,
Vista and Windows 7. you can find it from longpathtool(dot)com


I have seen this issue with XP. I can't remember how I resolved it, but
it definitely didn't require a third-party utility. I seem to remember
that a bigger issue was with CDs or DVDs, which would not accept file
names longer than 64 characters.

--

Jeff
  #10  
Old March 8th 12, 04:54 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Ken Springer[_2_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 3,817
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

On 3/8/12 5:57 AM, danielfird wrote:
Alf wrote on 02/13/2011 05:20 ET :
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So far I have
tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just

clicking
on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old DOS
commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


Posted with NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 1
Web @ http://www.newsleecher.com/?usenet

Hi all, I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even renaming files
that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried various ways
but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then I have found a
solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path Tool. To use the
program all you need to do is to download this program online and save all the
settings to your computer. This program is compatible with Windows NT, 2000,
XP,
Vista and Windows 7. you can find it from longpathtool(dot)com

best regards
DanielFird


Possible workaround, thinking outside of the norm......

Create a folder in the root directory of a drive. See if you can move
the files to the new folder. If you can move them, not copy or create a
shortcut, maybe then you can delete them.

--
Ken

Mac OS X 10.6.8
Firefox 10.0.2
Thunderbird 10.0.2
LibreOffice 3.5.0 rc3
  #11  
Old March 8th 12, 04:59 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Wolf K
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 356
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

On 08/03/2012 10:47 AM, Jeff Layman wrote:
On 08/03/2012 12:57, danielfird wrote:
Alf wrote on 02/13/2011 05:20 ET :
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will
not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So
far I have
tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just

clicking
on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old DOS
commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


Posted with NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 1
Web @ http://www.newsleecher.com/?usenet

Hi all, I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even
renaming files
that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried
various ways
but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then I have
found a
solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path Tool. To
use the
program all you need to do is to download this program online and save
all the
settings to your computer. This program is compatible with Windows NT,
2000,
XP,
Vista and Windows 7. you can find it from longpathtool(dot)com


I have seen this issue with XP. I can't remember how I resolved it, but
it definitely didn't require a third-party utility.


The issue appears to be the length of the path. I resolved it two ways,
both tedious, but both successful.

a) Set Explorer to show the folder tree in the left pane. Rename folders
from the top down until total filename is short enough. The rename the file.

b) Use command prompt to navigate through folder levels as above,
renaming folders as you go.

I also structured data folder trees to be as a short as possible. Word
proc programs propose filenames based on the first two or three lines of
the document. I never accept these, they are always longer than they
need to be. I suspoect that the files OP "picked up" were docs with such
file names. Another example of programmers making things too easy for
the user causing unintended consequences.

I seem to remember
that a bigger issue was with CDs or DVDs, which would not accept file
names longer than 64 characters.


Me too, this limitation still exists, and it's absurd.

HTH
Wolf K.
  #12  
Old March 8th 12, 08:20 PM posted to alt.windows7.general
Gene E. Bloch[_5_]
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 1,720
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

On 3/08/2012, danielfird posted:
Alf wrote on 02/13/2011 05:20 ET :
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So far I
have tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just
clicking on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old
DOS commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


Posted with NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 1
Web @ http://www.newsleecher.com/?usenet

Hi all, I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even renaming
files that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried
various ways but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then
I have found a solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path
Tool. To use the program all you need to do is to download this program
online and save all the settings to your computer. This program is
compatible with Windows NT, 2000, XP,
Vista and Windows 7. you can find it from longpathtool(dot)com


best regards
DanielFird


If you get into a command window, you can run the directory command

dir /X

this displays the short (i.e., 8.3) filename of the items in the
folder.

You can cd \ to get to the root, then if the folder you want is also
called (let's say) shorty&1, you can cd shorty&1 to get there.

One at a time, you can work your way down to the lowest folder and
delete the file using its short name, such as

del tiny&1

You may be able to get to the directory in question in a command window
more directly. In Windows Explorer, Shift-Right Click the folder name
and choose "Open command window here".

Note: I *think* that's a standard Windows thing, but maybe I have an
add-on to do it. In that case Shift-Right Click is not good advice.

--
Gene E. Bloch (Stumbling Bloch)


  #13  
Old March 9th 12, 12:19 AM posted to alt.windows7.general
Rob
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 38
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

On 9/03/2012 2:59 AM, Wolf K wrote:
On 08/03/2012 10:47 AM, Jeff Layman wrote:
On 08/03/2012 12:57, danielfird wrote:
Alf wrote on 02/13/2011 05:20 ET :
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will
not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So
far I have
tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just
clicking
on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old DOS
commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


Posted with NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 1
Web @ http://www.newsleecher.com/?usenet

Hi all, I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even
renaming files
that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried
various ways
but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then I have
found a
solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path Tool. To
use the
program all you need to do is to download this program online and save
all the
settings to your computer. This program is compatible with Windows NT,
2000,
XP,
Vista and Windows 7. you can find it from longpathtool(dot)com


I have seen this issue with XP. I can't remember how I resolved it, but
it definitely didn't require a third-party utility.


The issue appears to be the length of the path. I resolved it two ways,
both tedious, but both successful.

a) Set Explorer to show the folder tree in the left pane. Rename folders
from the top down until total filename is short enough. The rename the
file.

b) Use command prompt to navigate through folder levels as above,
renaming folders as you go.

I also structured data folder trees to be as a short as possible. Word
proc programs propose filenames based on the first two or three lines of
the document. I never accept these, they are always longer than they
need to be. I suspoect that the files OP "picked up" were docs with such
file names. Another example of programmers making things too easy for
the user causing unintended consequences.

I seem to remember
that a bigger issue was with CDs or DVDs, which would not accept file
names longer than 64 characters.


Me too, this limitation still exists, and it's absurd.

HTH
Wolf K.


Use Unlocker - Google it. This will allow you to delete the files.





  #14  
Old March 9th 12, 01:30 AM posted to alt.windows7.general
Bob I
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 9,943
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

Another method is to map a drive letter to a folder just above the
problem file. To do this share the folder to everyone and then map the
folder as a network share. Disconnect the drive when done and remove
sharing permission. Saves a lot of messing about with renaming

On 3/8/2012 9:59 AM, Wolf K wrote:
On 08/03/2012 10:47 AM, Jeff Layman wrote:
On 08/03/2012 12:57, danielfird wrote:
Alf wrote on 02/13/2011 05:20 ET :
I have picked up a few files with very long names that Windows 7 will
not
delete (error message indicating that file names are too long). So
far I have
tried (1) rebooting, (2) moving or changing the
files names--will not work because I get a Windows error sound by just
clicking
on the files, and (3) using CMD to try to delete the files with old DOS
commands--still get an error message re length
of the files.

I would appreciate any suggestions. TIA. --Alf


Posted with NewsLeecher v5.0 Beta 1
Web @ http://www.newsleecher.com/?usenet

Hi all, I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even
renaming files
that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried
various ways
but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then I have
found a
solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path Tool. To
use the
program all you need to do is to download this program online and save
all the
settings to your computer. This program is compatible with Windows NT,
2000,
XP,
Vista and Windows 7. you can find it from longpathtool(dot)com


I have seen this issue with XP. I can't remember how I resolved it, but
it definitely didn't require a third-party utility.


The issue appears to be the length of the path. I resolved it two ways,
both tedious, but both successful.

a) Set Explorer to show the folder tree in the left pane. Rename folders
from the top down until total filename is short enough. The rename the
file.

b) Use command prompt to navigate through folder levels as above,
renaming folders as you go.

I also structured data folder trees to be as a short as possible. Word
proc programs propose filenames based on the first two or three lines of
the document. I never accept these, they are always longer than they
need to be. I suspoect that the files OP "picked up" were docs with such
file names. Another example of programmers making things too easy for
the user causing unintended consequences.

I seem to remember
that a bigger issue was with CDs or DVDs, which would not accept file
names longer than 64 characters.


Me too, this limitation still exists, and it's absurd.

HTH
Wolf K.

  #15  
Old March 9th 12, 02:37 AM posted to alt.windows7.general
Stan Brown
external usenet poster
 
Posts: 2,904
Default Deleting files with VERY long file names

On Thu, 08 Mar 2012 06:57:30 -0600, danielfird wrote:
Hi all, I have been suffering from accessing, managing and even renaming files
that have more than 255 characters over a long time. I have tried various ways
but failed. Then I have searched this problem in internet. Then I have found a
solution. This software is very easy to use. Named Long path Tool.


Really not necessary, though I'm glad it worked for you.

Find the folder in question in Explorer, Shift-Right-click and select
Open Command Prompt here. Type "dir /x" (no quotes) to reveal the
short file names next to the long file names. Then "del" (no quotes)
and the short file name.

--
Stan Brown, Oak Road Systems, Tompkins County, New York, USA
http://OakRoadSystems.com
Shikata ga nai...
 




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