Knowledge Base

How to Disable the 8.3 Name Creation on NTFS Partitions

Article ID: 121007

Article Last Modified on 12/3/2007

APPLIES TO

This article was previously published under Q121007
IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, make sure to back it up and make sure that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows Registry

SUMMARY

The creation of 8.3 filenames and directories for all long filenames and directories on NTFS partitions may decrease directory enumeration performance. This article describes a method of disabling the 8.3 name creation on all NTFS partitions.

NOTE: Although disabling 8.3 name creation increases file performance under Windows NT, some 16-bit applications may not be able to find files and directories with long filenames.

MORE INFORMATION

Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP

To disable the 8.3 name creation on all NTFS partitions, type fsutil.exe behavior set disable8dot3 1 at a command prompt, and then press ENTER.

Windows 2000 and Windows NT


To disable the 8.3 name creation on all NTFS partitions, use the following steps: WARNING: If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.
  1. Start Regedt32.exe and locate the following registry key:

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem

  2. Select the NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation entry.

    NOTE: By default, the value for this entry is set to 0.
  3. On the Edit menu, click DWORD. Type a value of 1 in the Data field.
  4. Click OK and then quit Regedt32.
  5. Quit Windows NT and turn off your computer.
  6. Restart your computer and Windows NT.
NOTE: The change to the NtfsDisable8dot3NameCreation registry entry affects only files, folders, and profiles that are created after the change. Files that already exist are not affected.

Additional query words: prodnt nthowto

Keywords: KB121007


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