file names too long

On our OS9 machines we do not have this issue but on our OSX machines we do
Under OS 9 a maximum file name length was 32 characters while under OS X it is 255 characters. However, some applications don't allow file names in the save dialogs that are longer than 32 characters. That is a problem with those applications, not the system.

Hi, Jeremy.

What is the specific problem that prompts your question?

The maximum length for a file name in Mac OS X is 255 characters. See Mac OS X: About Long File Names.

However, I've seen cases in some Carbonized applications, i.e. those written originally for Mac OS 9 and ported to Mac OS X using the Carbon developer tools, that still insist on enforcing the 31 character limit of Mac OS 9. That is an issue with the application, not Mac OS X.

Certain characters are prohibited in Mac OS X file names. See "Mac OS X 10.4 Help: I can't use some characters in file and folder names."

Likewise, if you plan to share files with PCs running Microsoft Windows, avoid Windows-prohibited characters in the file names: see "Mac OS X 10.4 Help: Copying files to a Windows computer from a Mac stops."

Good luck!

😉 Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X

There's nothing wrong with that file name from a Mac OS X perspective. It's all of 21 characters long, including the extension. It does not begin with a period (.) which would make it a hidden file.

What kinds of problems are you having with the file name? Details, please, as requested previously...

Disk Utility will tell you the format of a volume. Select the volume in the list, then look at the details in the lower border. Mac OS X volumes are generally formatted as "Mac OS X Extended (Journaled)" (aka HFS+J) or "Mac OS Extended" (aka HFS+ or HFS plus).

Good luck!

😉 Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X

Those details are insufficient.

1. What operating system (OS) and version thereof is the shared file server running?

2. What OS and version thereof is the affected Mac running?

3. Why do you think the length of the file names are the issue?

4. Was the file name example you offered above an example of a file that fails when you attempt the copy operation?

5. For clarification: both folders, i.e. the folder you are copying from and the folder to which you are copying are on the shared file server, yes?

Not to seem flippant, but the volunteers who answer questions here are neither clairvoyant nor generally have the time to play "20 Questions" teasing out the details of the probelm. If one wants help, one should take seriously the task of providing complete details about the problem.

You can always contact AppleCare and pay for support.

Good luck!

😉 Dr. Smoke
Author: Troubleshooting Mac® OS X