windows cannot recognise long file name, can anyone help?

[Guest]

hi

all my windows icons (exe and non-exe) became the default windows icons. I
noticed that this was because windows cannot recognise long file names. When
i go to command prompt and type 'cd program files' it gives me an error
message, but if i type in 'cd progra~1' i can get in. same issue with other
folders that is more then 8 char long in name.

please help!

 

[Sharon Fink]

hi

all my windows icons (exe and non-exe) became the default windows icons. I
noticed that this was because windows cannot recognise long file names. When
i go to command prompt and type 'cd program files' it gives me an error
message, but if i type in 'cd progra~1' i can get in. same issue with other
folders that is more then 8 char long in name.

please help!

Are file names displayed in 8.3 format or as long file names (LFNs)?

If displayed as LFNs, use double quotes for paths that contain spaces.
Examples:
"cd program files"
or
"C:\some folder\cd program files\"

If all names are *displayed* in 8.3 format, let us know.

As for the generic icons... either your icon cache is corrupt or your
associations are messed up or both. If it's the iconcache, search for
iconcache files in your user profile folders (include hidden folders in
search). Delete and let them rebuild on next startup. Or you can use
TweakUI for XP and use its 1-click Fix buttons for various icon
groupings.

If your associations are messed up, this is damage that is usually
caused by malware. Two things need to be done: One make sure the system
is malware free. Then fix the associations.

A good reference for cleaning a system:
http://www.elephantboycomputers.com/page2.html#Removing_Malware

A handy tool for re-establishing default associations (correct iconage
is a side result of repairing associations) can be found here:
http://www.dougknox.com/xp/file_assoc.htm

 

[Guest]

hi sharon, thanks!! you are my saviour i used the link you gave on the File
Assocation Fixes and it worked! i think mostof my associations have already
came back, the icons are still window default though, but openable.

 

[Sharon F]

hi sharon, thanks!! you are my saviour i used the link you gave on the File
Assocation Fixes and it worked! i think mostof my associations have already
came back, the icons are still window default though, but openable.

You're welcome. Glad to hear things are at least working better.