Control Long Filename Support (All Windows)

Registry Guide for Windows
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Registry tweaks, tricks & hacks to optimize, enhance and secure Microsoft Windows.

Control Long Filename Support (All Windows)
Category: Home > Windows > File System > Files and Shortcuts

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Windows allows the use of long filenames on FAT partitions. Some legacy software may be incompatible with this new file system design, and may require the use of 8.3 filenames. By enabling this setting you can turn off long filename support.

Open your registry and find the key below.

Create a new DWORD value, or modify the existing value called 'Win31FileSystem' using the settings below.

Exit your registry, you may need to restart or log out of Windows for the change to take effect.


(Default)	REG_SZ	(value not set)
Win31FileSystem	REG_DWORD	0x00000001 (1)


	HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem

Settings:

System Key: [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem]
Name: Win31FileSystem
Type: REG_DWORD (DWORD Value)
Value: (0 = long file names, 1 = 8.3 filenames)

Disclaimer: Modifying the registry can cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. We cannot guarantee that problems resulting from modifications to the registry can be solved. Use the information provided at your own risk.

Last Modified: August 5, 2002

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