Troubleshooting: Why You Can't Create a Folder Named 'con' | Expert Tips

  • Thread starter Thread starter johncena
  • Start date Start date
Click For Summary

Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the inability to create a folder named 'con' in certain operating systems, particularly focusing on the historical reasons behind this limitation and exploring workarounds for creating such a folder.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation, Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant states that the name 'con' is reserved due to its association with the console in DOS, which prevents the creation of a folder with that name.
  • Another participant mentions that other reserved names include 'com1:' and 'lpt1:'.
  • A different participant challenges this by noting that using the Alt+0160 key combination allows for the creation of a folder named 'con', suggesting a workaround that involves inserting an invisible space character.
  • It is pointed out that while the folder can be accessed through the GUI, software may have difficulty recognizing it unless the specific character is included in the filename reference.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants express differing views on the implications of the reserved name 'con' and the effectiveness of the workaround involving Alt+0160. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the broader implications of creating folders with reserved names.

Contextual Notes

The discussion does not address potential limitations of the workaround or the specific software environments where these naming conventions apply.

johncena
Messages
131
Reaction score
1
Can't create folder !

Why we can't create a folder with name 'con' ?
 
Computer science news on Phys.org


Because the console (ie keyboard + screen) is called con: and because of some historical features in the way DOS was written you can't have a file with the same name.
You also can't have a file called com1: lpt1: and a couple of others
 


But sir,
After typing 'con' if we type '0160' holding Alt ...we can create the folder ...how is it happening ?
 


Alt+0160 inserts an invisible space character. You will be able to access this folder through the GUI, but software will not be able to find it unless you remember to include the ALT+0160 character in the filename reference.
 

Similar threads

How to make longer file names and paths in Windows 8
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
11K
Why is File Explorer not showing all my folders?
  • · Replies 22 ·
Replies
22
Views
3K
Troubleshooting Strange Virus: Fixing Hidden Folders in Windows 7
  • · Replies 16 ·
Replies
16
Views
5K
Why is my program crashing when using multiple classes and pointers?
  • · Replies 5 ·
Replies
5
Views
2K
Error when creating boundary conditions (OpenFOAM)
  • · Replies 2 ·
Replies
2
Views
3K
Troubleshooting Shared Folder Access Between Mac and Windows
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
11K
Python Why is a temporary directory created when using the Python library matplotlib?
  • · Replies 9 ·
Replies
9
Views
4K
Why Can't I Name a Folder aux in Windows 2003?
  • · Replies 1 ·
Replies
1
Views
5K
How do I save a file in Sublime to a specific folder?
  • · Replies 11 ·
Replies
11
Views
2K
"Cannot create Application Data Folder" (Skype debugging)
  • · Replies 4 ·
Replies
4
Views
2K