[Ham-Computers] Folder Names?

[nn6o]

Hi Kurt,

What you're seeing is the 8.3 compatibility naming for older applications that
don't support LFN (Long File Names).  For backwards compatibility, Windows
versions that use LFN (Windows 95 through XP) also save the file in the old
8.3 format so older apps can access the file.  For reference, this
compatibility mode takes up two directory entries - one for the LFN and the
other for the 8.3 name (but Windows hides one so you only see one entry).

It sounds like your AX.25 app is DOS based or doesn't support LFN's.  As such,
when you're "in" the app and browse the directory lists, it shows you only the
8.3 filenames and not the LFN's.  The way 8.3 works is that any filename upto
8 characters will show up "as-is" in the 8.3 format.  Filenames longer than 8
characters (or other than 8.3 format) will be converted to the first 6
characters of the filename plus the tilde "~" and a sequential number.  For
example, ABCDEFGHI.TXT (9 chars, 3 ext) will be saved as ABCDEF~1.TXT in 8.3
format.  If another filename starts with the same 6 characters, such as
ABCDEFXY.TXT, then it gets the next sequential number (ABCDEF~2.TXT), ad
infinitum.

When you're "in" Windows explorer or any other app that supports LFN's, then
the app shows you the full long file name rather than the 8.3.  In a Windows
command prompt, the option "/x" with the DIR command will list the 8.3
filenames along with the long file names - the 8.3 name shows between the file
size and the LFN.  Also, when you're in a command prompt, you can use the 8.3
name instead of the LFN when navigating.  For example, you can type "CD
\PROGRA~1" rather than "CD \Program Files" to switch to the Program Files
folder - it's a godsend if you spend a lot of time at the command prompt (much
less typing!).

For reference, automatic 8.3 creation ended with WinXP - it's now an option
that needs to be enabled.  So, if you're running Vista or Win7 (or 8), then an
8.3 filename is not automatically created except for critical folder names for
backwards compatibility (such as PROGRA~1 for "Program Files").

73,

  - Aaron, NN6O
    {nn6o}@arrl.net


-----Original Message-----
From: ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net
[mailto:ham-computers-bounces at mailman.qth.net] On Behalf Of KD7JYK DM09
Sent: Wednesday, June 06, 2012 7:01 PM
Subject: Re: [Ham-Computers] Folder Names?

"AX.25 is the protocol for HAM Packet.  You installed and used some client (or
server) that created that directory and it also changed the default
association for text files to it, just change it back to where you want it."

AX.25 Monitor Files is the name of a folder I created myself on the desktop so
I can drag and drop text files into it, could have just as well have called it
Test or New Folder.  When I change the name slightly, the cryptic name changes
as well.

I have other folders too, My Documents, DNC Violations, Power Line Noise, et
cetera, only the one I mentioned appears randomly scrambled when I browse to
it.  It's normal on the desktop when I look at it and normal when I browse
through "My Computer" to it.

This is a very odd situation.  Not a problem really, but it makes it hard to
find a folder when you are looking for "Family Photos" and get
27X3.908QWKN---3 instead!

Kurt