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Resolved File name or extension too long - can't delete or rename - Catch 22

Discussion in 'Windows 7' started by jorjab, 2012/09/08.

  1. 2012/09/08
    jorjab Lifetime Subscription

    jorjab Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    I am in a catch 22 situation.

    I am trying to backup, copy, rename or even delete certain files. I am unable to do any of these:
    Error message - "file name too long for the destination folder shorten the file name or try a different location." This when I try to delete.
    Or else, message simply says file name or extension too long. If I right click does not give me option to rename.

    Anyone have any suggestions. I don't really want to delete the files but would like to rename them. Any DOS commands that might work?

    Thanks, Jorjab
     
  2. 2012/09/08
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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  4. 2012/09/12
    tigerbright

    tigerbright Inactive

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    Hi , if you positively seek to delete a locked file , I suggest install and launch malwarebytes antivirus program and run the "file assassin" tool component
    Just run the tool and follow the prompts to kill the process that is locking the file and then delete
    Freeware licensed Malwarebytes is a reputable program and usually benign to keep installed - is effective as a secondary on-demand anti-malware scanner

    http://www.malwarebytes.org/
     
  5. 2012/09/12
    jorjab Lifetime Subscription

    jorjab Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thanks ,

    I have not gotten a chance to try anything yet. Family health problems so can't do much on PC. Will post when I get to try the windows 7 suggestion. Not sure I need to use malware bytes., as I really don't want to delete, just rename and move.
     
  6. 2012/09/12
    Superbrain31

    Superbrain31 Inactive

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    Hi

    I suggest you use DelInVfile - this is a commercial product which does work. FileAssassin did not work for me.You could try MultiCommander which is a freeware product and among other attributes it should (according to its author) delete files with very long names.

    Good luck!
     
  7. 2012/09/12
    Evan Omo

    Evan Omo Computer Support Technician Staff

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    I would suggest though that before you try any programs to rename your long files that you use Command Prompt first.

    Then if Command Prompt does not work then we can try some other alternatives. By the way make sure you run Command Prompt as an Administrator so you won't run into elevation issues with trying to rename the files.
     
  8. 2012/09/12
    Arie

    Arie Administrator Administrator Staff

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    Yea, as Evan said, I see no reason to spend any $$ on a program for this issue. There are enough free programs that'll work if you can't get it deleted from the command prompt.
     
    Arie,
    #7
  9. 2012/09/12
    jorjab Lifetime Subscription

    jorjab Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Something weird has happened. All of the files I was unable to copy, rename or whatever are now accessible. To my knowledge I have done nothing to make this happen. However, if it happens again I would use command prompt. Am familiar with it as I started out my PC work with MSDOS.
    My how things have changed!

    Thank you for your suggestions and if I have occasion to try will post what happens. Will wait a couple of days and then see if I have problem again, if not I will close this thread.

    Again, thank you for your suggestions.

    Jorjab
     
  10. 2012/09/23
    JSS3rd Lifetime Subscription

    JSS3rd Geek Member

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    FYI, the freebie Unlocker (currently 1.9.1) has always worked for me. It allows you to delete, rename, or move files and folders.
     
    jorjab likes this.
  11. 2012/09/23
    jorjab Lifetime Subscription

    jorjab Well-Known Member Thread Starter

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    Thank you all for suggestions. Right now I no longer have the problem so will close this. Not sure why it went away, but obviously I did something somehow.

    I think I will try Locker if and when have the problem again.
     

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