EXPAND.EXE Error Msg: Can't Open Output File <filename.ext>

 Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
Article ID: Q67517
The information in this article applies to:
  • Microsoft Windows operating system versions 3.0, 3.0a

SUMMARY

When you use the EXPAND.EXE utility that comes with Microsoft Windows version 3.0, you may get the error message 

   Can't Open Output File : <filename.ext>
when you attempt to expand a file. This error occurs when you try to replace a previous copy of a file that has been set with the read-only attribute. By using the MS-DOS Attrib command, or by going into the File Manager and choosing Change Attributes from the File menu, you can change the file attributes back to read/write. You will then be able to expand the file and successfully replace the original.

MORE INFORMATION

For more information about using the EXPAND.EXE utility, see the README.TXT file located in your WINDOWS directory.

This can also occur with the MS-DOS 5 EXPAND.EXE utility.

KBCategory: kbother
KBSubcategory: win30
Additional reference words: WIN30 3.00 3.00a 3.0 3.0a dos 5.0

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Last reviewed: November 23, 1994
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