BUG: Path Name Greater Than 256 Characters May Cause Errors

 Last reviewed: June 3, 1996
Article ID: Q120606
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft FoxPro for Macintosh, versions 2.5x, 2.6a
  • Microsoft Visual FoxPro for Macintosh, version 3.0b

SYMPTOMS

If a path and filename greater than 256 characters is used, one of the following error messages may occur:

  • Invalid path or filename
  • Required clause not present in command.
  • Syntax error.
  • Unrecognized phrase/keyword in command.
  • File already exists.
  • File '<volume_name>:System Folder:<table_name>' does not exist.
  • Finder error: math coprocessor not installed. (On PowerPC.)
  • Sorry, a system error occurred "Microsoft FoxPro" type 11

NOTE: These error messages were generated by attempting to save or run a program file, or open a table in a folder whose path was greater than 256 characters.

WORKAROUNDS

To work around this problem, do one of the following:

  • Use the SET VOLUME command to use a shorter, MS-DOS-style path.

    -or-

  • Move the file(s) to a folder with a shorter path.

    -or-

  • Rename the folder(s) and/or file in the path so that they have shorter names.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.

Additional reference words: VFoxMac 3.00b FoxMac 2.50b 2.50c 2.60a errmsg
err msg very extremely long path names lengthy buglist2.50b buglist2.50c
buglist2.60a buglist3.00b
KBCategory: kbprg kbbuglist kberrmsg
KBSubcategory:

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Last reviewed: June 3, 1996
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