Truncating Files what does this mean?

[Guest]

Because I have to close my pc using the power button, each time I go to turn
on my pc the chk disk comes up and it has truncated either 1 or 2 of my
files---what does this mean in laymans language?

 

[Wesley Vogel]

truncate = to shorten by or as if by cutting off.

Short File Name (8.3) as opposed to Long file Name.

Windows truncates the file name, if necessary, to six characters and appends
a tilde (~) and a digit. For example, each unique file name created ends
with "~1." Duplicate file names end with "~2," "~3," and so on.

Windows truncates the file name extension to three characters or less.

Long Name C:\Documents and Settings\Wesley P. Vogel\Local Settings\Temp

becomes

Short Name C:\DOCUME~1\WESLEY~1.VOG\LOCALS~1\Temp

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In

 

[Guest]

Thank you Wesley, I had heard the term before but I never knew what it meant.
Will my files still work okay if they have been truncated?

Thanks again

 

[Wesley Vogel]

Yes, in fact some 16-bit applications may not be able to find files and
directories with long filenames.

Also some third-party programs cannot be installed on NTFS volumes if 8.3
names are disabled. Norton Utilities has problems if 8.3 names are
disabled.

--
Hope this helps. Let us know.

Wes
MS-MVP Windows Shell/User

In