Solved A long file name cannot transfer to the workgroup network location

[loninappleton]

I have gotten a file name that is long and Win7 is giving the error (I can make a screen shot)
that the file name is to long-- shorten it or change the location.


The downloaded file name is recognized where it is. How can I transfer it to the workgroup network folder.
Is there a box to tick in Folders setup like reveal hidden?


I've tried some workarounds like unpacking the folder contents and transfering that but
still failed.

 

[loninappleton]

There is apparently 'long path tools' to fix this perhaps Sevenforums can help with a free one.
A long path tool I found seemed to be free. I installed it and got as far as wanting to make the copy command at which point it said paid version only.


this is the one I tried:



Long Path Tool 5: advanced long path files manager


You can download it for free like it says but that's all. There was also a Net Framework command
needed I've never seen before.

 

[file3456]

Give the program Fastcopy a try once. Download FastCopy - MajorGeeks

So in Fastcopy chose the source which will be your folder with the long name, and the chose a new destination (can be where the folder resides) and use a different name.

I've actually never done this before, but it should go just as I described it. Let me give an example.

Your source might be something like, C:\widgets\very_long_folder_name_ABCDEFGHIJKL.exe

Now the destination can be something like, C:\widgets\very_long_folder_name_abc.exe

See how I changed the file name, very_long_folder_name_ABCDEFGHIJKL.exe to very_long_folder_name_abc.exe in order to shrink its name? That's all that should be required.

I've tried some workarounds like unpacking the folder contents and transfering that but
still failed.

This is interesting and I'm not sure why that is unless there's either A) some type of meta data attached to the contents or B) the contents' name its self have long names or there's at least one hidden file that has a long name that unbeknownst to you is being copied over thus causing the issue over copy error.

I don't mess with network transfers in Windows and in fact disable NetBIOS completely since I feel like it's a security risk, but I think if you go to the folder options in the control panel you can check off show hidden files. If there are hidden files in the workgroup folder that may show them, but I'm not sure. An easy way to get to the folder option is to go to the start orb and in search look begin by typing Folder Options.

 

[file3456]

There is apparently 'long path tools' to fix this perhaps Sevenforums can help with a free one.
A long path tool I found seemed to be free. I installed it and got as far as wanting to make the copy command at which point it said paid version only.


this is the one I tried:



Long Path Tool 5: advanced long path files manager


You can download it for free like it says but that's all. There was also a Net Framework command
needed I've never seen before.

I just posted after you when you made this post. Fastcopy should work and is free and safe that I know of.

OP, get in the habit of scanning all downloads at Virus Total. Majorgeeks is a reputable website though, but a hacker can alter hosted files so it's a good idea to scan ALL downloads just in case. Since they use some 60 anti-virus engines you may end up with a false positive here and there. The rule of thumb is that if you see four hits, delete the file and don't use it.

Here's the result of the current download I just did. VirusTotal

One hit from some moron anti-virus engine so I know this is a false positive.

 

[loninappleton]

Thanks for replies. My concern (if I keep on this) is ok you change the name, move it--- then is it
simply a matter of renaming it back? It's all nuts. There's no reason to name things like it's a contest.


What I don't get is somebody developing the secret sauce to a Windows 7 command and then charging for it. Can any of this be done in DOS mode-- just a copy to location-- or would the same error pop up?



The Filecopy program I'll start on soon. Maybe not as fast as answers turn around at Sevenforums.



I'll report any progress.


thanks

 

[loninappleton]

I just remembered-- there was something I was supposed to do about having too many line feeds in replies.

 

[file3456]

Follow my exact instructions using Fastcopy and there shouldn't be a problem

As to retaining that very long name, no, you can't keep that name unless you want issues in Windows.

 

[loninappleton]

Since the goal for this is backup and to retain the original name I'm going to do a separate download
to my backup machine on the small homenet here and see if that settles everything off.


I'll report back as solved if this takes care of things.

 

[loninappleton]

Just a followup on this.

Yes, obviously a separate download to a separate machine worked ok.


It seems insoluable to retain the original information to transfer in Windows
across a workgroup. I don't know how the utility Long File Tool operates but it appears to work
once access is gained. I'm trying the test of simply using Norton Ghost to clone my source drive
to it's target. This should be outside of Windows but it will take a good length of time to
complete and I'll report back when done.

 

[loninappleton]

The clone job worked since it operates outside of the Windows7 API


marked solved-- since no good freeware found.