DOCUMENT:Q50351  25-JUL-2001  [visualc]
TITLE   :DOC: mktemp() Creates a Maximum of 27 Unique Filenames
PRODUCT :Microsoft C Compiler
PROD/VER:winnt:
OPER/SYS:
KEYWORDS:kbdocfix kbCRT kbVC

======================================================================

-------------------------------------------------------------------------------
The information in this article applies to:

 - The C Run-Time (CRT), included with:
    - Microsoft C for MS-DOS, versions 5.1, 6.0, 6.0a, 6.0ax 
    - Microsoft C/C++ for MS-DOS, version 7.0 
    - Microsoft Visual C++, versions 1.0, 1.5 
    - *EDITOR Please do not choose this product*Microsoft Visual C++ 32-bit Edition* use 241, 265, 225, versions 1.0, 2.0 
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

SUMMARY
=======

In the Microsoft C online and printed documentation for the mktemp() function,
it is not clear exactly how many filenames mktemp() can create. These references
state the following:

   When creating new names, mktemp uses, in order, "0" and the lowercase letters
   "a" to "z".

This information is correct. However, the documentation fails to mention that
these are the only filenames that are created. Any further calls to mktemp()
after these characters have been used will fail (that is, once "z" has been
placed in the template). Therefore, the limit on the number of unique filenames
that can be created by mktemp() is 27.

NOTE: This problem was fixed in the Books On-line of Microsoft Visual C++, 32-bit
Edition, version 4.0.

Additional query words: 1.00 1.50 2.00 4.00 5.10 6.00 6.00a 6.00ax 7.00

======================================================================
Keywords          : kbdocfix kbCRT kbVC 
Technology        : kbVCsearch kbAudDeveloper kbCRT
Version           : winnt:

=============================================================================

THE INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THE MICROSOFT KNOWLEDGE BASE IS
PROVIDED "AS IS" WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND.  MICROSOFT DISCLAIMS
ALL WARRANTIES, EITHER EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING THE WARRANTIES
OF MERCHANTABILITY AND FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.  IN NO
EVENT SHALL MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS BE LIABLE FOR
ANY DAMAGES WHATSOEVER INCLUDING DIRECT, INDIRECT, INCIDENTAL,
CONSEQUENTIAL, LOSS OF BUSINESS PROFITS OR SPECIAL DAMAGES, EVEN IF
MICROSOFT CORPORATION OR ITS SUPPLIERS HAVE BEEN ADVISED OF THE
POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.  SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION
OR LIMITATION OF LIABILITY FOR CONSEQUENTIAL OR INCIDENTAL DAMAGES
SO THE FOREGOING LIMITATION MAY NOT APPLY.

Copyright Microsoft Corporation 2001.