File name length limit...

[elf69]

OK at work we have to back customers data before a wipe and reinstall.

Windows has a limit of 255 characters.

We have a drive will files in folder, in folder, in folder.....

So the name is too long and windows explorer cannot copy file as name too big.

Does apple also have this limit?

Is there a work around possible?

 

[maflynn]

Does apple also have this limit?

OS X has 255 character limit

KB article

Restricting filename length

Although current file systems such as HFS+ (used by Mac OS X) allow you to create filenames with a 255-character limit, you may want to limit your filename length if you intend to transfer your files to other operating systems. Non-english, multiple-byte characters such as some Japanese, Chinese, and Korean symbols may actually take up to the equivalent of nine English characters to store on some file systems. This should be considered when attempting to create longer names.

Is there a work around possible?

Yes, don't create file names that are so large that it approaches the hard coded limitation of the file system.

 

[elf69]

we did not create the files, we are tasked with backing them up so we can reinstall the system.

If they are as long as the computer says, why did it let the user create such long names in first place.

I'm sure some of you must of had this issue with a friends computer of some such?

Our only temp fix is make a image of the drive.
But we still need get files back on to the fresh installed computer afterwards.

 

[T'hain Esh Kelch]

The filename limitations has nothing to do with the file path limitations per se, so what exactly are you asking about?

 

[Significant1]

Not using Windows anymore, so my experience is a bit rusty. Windows limitation is actually 260 characters including device. That is <device>:\ <255character filename><null terminater>.

If your limitation appear somewhere else than NTFS physical limitation, you might be able to get around by using subst command or environment variable to shorten the names. I had to do this trick get around length limitation of a compilers search path.