Unable to Copy Long Filenames on Excel

Asked By Aoi.Boros 0 points N/A Posted on - 10/10/2012

I have a folder full of excel files with very long  names.

Now that I'm supposed to transfer them from my External Hard Drive to my office computer, I can't do it and I kept of having this error message saying that the file name is too long.

Why would they allow me to name it that way if i can't manage it?

Also I can't change the name anymore.

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Answered By Sierra Adams 10 points N/A #160921

Unable to Copy Long Filenames on Excel

Hi,

This is the problem with Microsoft excel because it allows the total length of the path and the file name, including file name extension, 218 characters.

 

So be that the path of the file to which you want to copy and in which file exists has no more than the maximum number of characters.

 

For copying these you can move the file to folders which has shorter path name.

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Answered By Kaile Smith 0 points N/A #160922

Unable to Copy Long Filenames on Excel

Hi Aoi!

Path limit is 248 characters.
Path plus Filename limit is 260 characters.

Windows 2000 has a 254 character limit.
Windows XP has a 255 character limit.
Windows Vista has a 260 character limit.

You must simplify your files and titles so that error will not occur.

You can also refer this problem to this link to have clear understanding.

Thank You! 

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• Posted on - 10/11/2012
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Answered By cathy emrald 5 points N/A #160923

Unable to Copy Long Filenames on Excel

The error is occurring when you are saving or try opening a file that exceeds to 218 characters.

The limitation consists of 3 characters in the drive, folder names, backslash between folders and the characters in the file name.

This is due to the 256-characters limit in Excel when you tried to create a link to other file.

This is based on the following:

• The sheet name should contain of up to 31 characters.
• Exclamation Point
• Cell Reference
• Apostrophes and Brackets characters that are used to designate the workbook name.

Try to rename your file to a shorter name.

Or move it to a folder with a shorter path name.

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