Incorrect Folder Names in Program Files Folder

• Microsoft Windows 98

SYMPTOMS

When you install Windows 98 from MS-DOS, various folders are created in the Program Files folder (such as the Accessories, Online Services, and Outlook Express folders). If you choose not to install some optional Windows 98 components, some of these folders may be empty. If you delete any of these empty folders in Windows and then install the accessory that belongs in that folder, the folder is re-created with a short folder name instead of a long folder name. For example, the Program Files\Accessories\ HyperTerminal folder may be re-created as the Program Files\Accessories\ HyperT~1 folder. The accessories installed in these re-created folders work correctly, even though the folder has a short folder name.

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because of architectural limitations inherent in the 16-bit, MS-DOS Setup program.

RESOLUTION

No functionality is lost, and no problems occur, when this behavior occurs. If you want to change the short folder names to long folder names, follow these steps:

1. Using Windows, rename the folder to an arbitrary intermediate name. For example, rename the HyperT~1 folder to Test.
   
   For information about how to rename a folder, click Start, click Help, click the Index tab, type rename, and then double-click the "Renaming folders" topic.
   
   NOTE: Do not rename the folder directly to the correct long folder name. Doing so may cause shortcuts to programs in the folder not to work.



2. Rename the intermediate folder name back to the correct long folder name. For example, rename the Test folder to HyperTerminal.



3. Repeat these steps for all folders you want to rename.

Additional query words: lfn

Keywords          : kbenv kbui win98 
Version           : WINDOWS:98
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbprb 

Last Reviewed: February 9, 1999