Long filenames in Windows 95
A long filename is any filename that exceeds the standard DOS 11 character (8.3) format. Long filenames may use up to 255 characters. The maximum size of a long filename and path must not exceed 260 characters. It is recommended that the name not exceed 50-75 characters in case the file is moved and the pathname becomes longer. The following characters which are not legal for MS-DOS 6.22 or lower may also be used in a long filename: + . : = [ ]
Long filenames are case sensitive and are saved with the same capitalization as they are assigned.
MS-DOS automatically assigns an 11-character alias to any long filename. The alias is composed of the first 6 letters of the filename plus ~n (where 'n' represents a consecutive number if this filename is already in use) with a 3-character extension. (EXAMPLE: LONGFI~1 for the first file named LongFileName and LONGFI~2 is assigned for a second file named LongFileName.) An alias cannot be designated by the user. To view the MS-DOS name associated with a long filename, use the right mouse button to click the file, and then select 'Properties' from the popup menu.
To view an alias of a file from the Windows 95 desktop, right-click on the file in Windows Explorer, My Computer, or the desktop, and then select 'Properties' from the popup menu. The alias appears in the value for 'MS-DOS Name' on the General Property sheet.
The following are examples of valid filenames for Windows 95 applications:
MS-DOS name: 12345678.ABC (MS-DOS name)
No limit on extension 12345678.ABCDEF
Long filename 123456789012345678901234567890123456789.ABC
Long filename and
long extension: 1234567890123456789012345678901234567890.ABCDEF