9

I have a machine that initially had 8.3 filename creation disabled. However, this was causing issues with some legacy software, so it was re-enabled. I'm wondering if it's possible to go back and "add" 8.3 filenames to certain existing directories.

For example, say I have a directory named "C:\name with spaces" and I get the following output when I run "dir /x":

C:\>dir /x
 Volume in drive C has no label.
 Volume Serial Number is 6873-65B8

 Directory of C:\

04/09/2010  01:57 PM    <DIR>                       name with spaces
...

I'd like to somehow add an 8.3 name for the directory without recreating it, and then get the following:

C:\>dir /x
 Volume in drive C has no label.
 Volume Serial Number is 6873-65B8

 Directory of C:\

04/09/2010  01:57 PM    <DIR>          NAMEWI~1     name with spaces
...

I tried the 'rename' command but it didn't do the trick.

Improve this question

3 Answers 3

Reset to default
9

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/bb490642.aspx:

 fsutil file setshortname <PathName> <shortname>

This worked, but required me to boot into recovery console (on win 7 this is via tapping F8 before you boot.) Also required me to navigate to the disk in question, and run this first:

fsutil behavior set disable8dot3 0
Improve this answer
2
  • 3
    Just to be clear, fsutil behavior set disable8dot3 0 is the command that requires a reboot to take effect. fsutil file setshortname <PathName> <shortname> does not.
    – Doin
    Dec 5, 2015 at 17:26
  • I don't know about setting the behavior with fsutil requires a reboot, but directly setting the registry variable NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation to 0 did not require a reboot for me on Win 7. Immediately, short file names began to be created from new files with long names. (In my case, some poorly written Intel or Microsoft system update had set it to 1 a week ago. Silently even. $#@%&# !!)
    – MicrosoftShouldBeKickedInNuts
    Jun 19, 2018 at 6:55
0

You can use Robocopy source destination /e /FAT. Go to cmd-mode, type Robocopy /? for full instruction set

Improve this answer
0

Nice utility for 8.3 names fix
https://i.stack.imgur.com/yEsQH.png
manual
link

Improve this answer
2
  • 1
    Welcome to Super User! Please quote the essential parts of the answer from the reference link(s), as the answer can become invalid if the linked page(s) change.
    – DavidPostill ♦
    Jun 27, 2020 at 9:03
  • Welcome to Super User! Please read How do I recommend software for some tips as to how you should go about recommending software. You should provide at least a link, some additional information about the software itself, and how it can be used to solve the problem in the question.
    – DavidPostill ♦
    Jun 27, 2020 at 9:04

You must log in to answer this question.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged .