How Can I Share Data Between WinXP and Fedora Without Filename Limitations?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the challenges of sharing data between Windows XP and Fedora Core 6, specifically focusing on filename limitations associated with different file systems. Participants explore potential solutions for effective data transfer without the constraints imposed by FAT32's filename restrictions.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory, Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant expresses frustration with the 8-character filename limitation of FAT32 and questions the viability of this setup for data sharing.
  • Another participant mentions using ntfs-3g to access NTFS partitions from Ubuntu and fs-driver for accessing Ubuntu partitions from Windows XP, noting uncertainty about filename limitations in this context.
  • A third participant clarifies that while FAT32 can support up to 32 characters, DOS mode restricts filenames to 8 characters, and suggests that using Linux live CDs with ntfs-3g allows for seamless access to NTFS partitions.
  • One participant proposes a workaround by zipping long-named files to facilitate their transfer, although they acknowledge this is not an ideal solution.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants do not reach a consensus on the best solution for the filename limitation issue. Multiple approaches are discussed, but no definitive resolution is presented.

Contextual Notes

There are unresolved questions regarding the effectiveness and limitations of using ntfs-3g and fs-driver, as well as the specific filename constraints in different modes of FAT32 and NTFS.

Hurkyl
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So I've set up my computer to dual boot into WinXP or Fedora Core 6. As recommended by some walkthroughs I found, I've created a FAT32 partition for passing data back and forth between WinXP and linux.

Alas, it only has 8 character filename support.

I would like to have a partition for actually sharing data -- I consider this setup broken, because of the filename limitation. But do I have other options?

I may be able to set up an old computer as a fileserver if necessary -- but I would like a single-computer solution if possible.
 
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If it helps, I use ntfs-3g to access NTFS partitions in XP from Ubuntu, and fs-driver to access my Ubuntu partition from XP. I can read and write data to the partitions in both cases. I'm not sure about any filename limitations.
 
I thought you could have up to 32 characters in a fat32 partition, but in dos mode everything was 8 characters. Fat16 was 8 characters and that's all.

Neutrino seems to have a viable solution for you. When I use linux live cds, I can read and write to my NTFS partitions without any problems. I'm guessing they are preconfigured with ntfs-3q or some similar program.
 
As a quick but not too usable solution, you can zip long named files and transfer these zip files.
 

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