Delete Bad folder on external HDD with Bitlocker ??

I tried to reproduce the problem by creating a folder with this name on my desktop inside of a folder called test. If you try to delete the folder normally windows can't find it because 3 dots in sequel is not allowed by Windows naming convention.

But if you go to the folder in command prompt you can use the "dir /x" to find out the folders special 8.3 name which is used for backward compatibility. After you know the 8.3 name you can use that name in command prompt to rename or delete the folder.




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ricardobohner said:

I tried to reproduce the problem by creating a folder with this name on my desktop inside of a folder called test. If you try to delete the folder normally windows can't find it because 3 dots in sequel is not allowed by Windows naming convention.

You got me intrigued, so I just had to look up how to create such a folder. Was a command line with some \\\ involved?

But if you go to the folder in command prompt you can use the "dir /x" to find out the folders special 8.3 name which is used for backward compatibility. After you know the 8.3 name you can use that name in command prompt to rename or delete the folder.

Great tip! You could also use DIR /S with the 8.3 name to list the files it contains, or go into the folder with the CD command using the 8.3 name.

@Bree exactly \\?\

Hello
Thanks for your help ! But...
I have a little problem with the name 8.3
It does not exist (see screenshot)
Sorry

My disk : (click to enlarge)

So, how was this folder created in the first place and is shortnames (8.3) disabled for all files & folders on your windows or is this the only file that doesn't have a 8.3 name? Do you have Winrar? What do you want to do with the folder (delete, rename...)? Where is the location of the folder inside that bitlocker dirive?

I have found that although Windows File Manager cannot rename a folder with ... at the end of its name, I can rename it using 7-Zip File Manager.

Wow !
It's awesome !
I used an "7-Zip Portable" (without install) and he renamed these folders without flinching !!
Thank you very much for this tip Bree.
This is THE solution.
Long life
Jean-Claude

I think winrar can also delete and rename such a folder.

ricardobohner said:

I think winrar can also delete and rename such a folder.

Probably, I worked my way through a few alternative 'file managers' and 7-Zip's was the first I found that could do the job.