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is there a subfolder level limit?

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Feb 19, 2002
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Is there a limit to the number of subfolder levels than can be created? (Couldn't find any info on Microsoft unless I am using the wrong search words)

I read somewhere that windows treats a folder like a file. So a file buried deep down in many subfolders may not be accessible because of the 255 limit on the filename

The issue I am having is that users have filenames word/excel files in deep subfolders. The were able to open before and now they are not (incidently the folders form part of a dfs share). When doing a file/open in Excel the files cannot be seen. But if you move them to the C drive they open ok

Thanks in advance

"Work to live, don't live to work"

"The problem with troubleshooting is that sometimes it shoots back"
 
To my knowledge, I don't believe that there is a limit on the number of subfolders that Windows can use. Previous to Windows 2000 (or possibly NT4) then there was, as you said, due to the length of the filename in total.

To be sure, drop to a cmd prompt and try to get to the folder from there.

Steve.

Steve.
 
thanks

however getting to the folder is not an issue

opening a doc with a large filename is

"Work to live, don't live to work"

"The problem with troubleshooting is that sometimes it shoots back"
 
The operating system can't open a file where the name is longer than 255 characters. This includes the path to the file. Test it some time, create new folders one in another until the OS says you can't create one any more.
 
here's the answer from Microsoft (applies to office2000 & 2002)

Problems in opening files occurs when the following is true:

Word 2002: The total length of the path and the file name, including file name extension, exceeds 254 characters.

PowerPoint 2002: The total length of the path and the file name, including file name extension, exceeds 258 characters.

Access 2002: The total length of the path and the file name, including file name extension exceeds 258 characters.

Outlook 2002: The total length of the path and the file name, including file name extension, exceeds 258 characters.

Excel 2002: The total length of the path and the file name, including file name extension, exceeds 218 characters.

Note This limitation includes the three characters that represent the drive, the characters in folder names, the backslash character between folders, and the characters in the file name.



"Work to live, don't live to work"

"The problem with troubleshooting is that sometimes it shoots back"
 
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