Knowledge Base

Cannot Specify a Working Directory for a Windows Executable

Article ID: 120902

Article Last Modified on 11/15/2006

APPLIES TO

This article was previously published under Q120902

SYMPTOMS

When you set the properties of a Windows-based executable file, you cannot specify the working directory.

CAUSE

Windows 95 is designed to behave this way because the executable file must be preserved in its original format so that links assigned to it can rely on stable (unchanging) data.

RESOLUTION

If you create a link or shortcut to the original executable file, you can then specify the working directory.

MORE INFORMATION

Moving the original executable to the working directory is NOT recommended because other links may be dependent upon its current directory.

NOTE: MS-DOS-based applications use program information files (.PIFs); therefore, you can specify a working directory for them using their properties.

Additional query words: COM EXE BAT

Keywords: KB120902


Send feedback to Microsoft

© Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.