HomeGuide Archives:: 8.3 Filename ToolPrinter Friendly Version

Guide Archives:: 8.3 Filename Tool

1. Background

1.1. Background Information

Worldox uses 8.3 filenames for processing legacy folder structures.  Some Windows Server 2008 servers ship with 8.3 filename support disabled.  This will not impact normal usage of Worldox, but will prevent a successful migration of legacy files into Worldox.  The following procedure describes how to enable 8.3 filename support, and how to force 8.3 filenames into a legacy folder structure.

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2. Procedure for fixing 8.3

2.1. Introduction

This procedure consists of 3 parts:

  1. Check to see if any files or folders are missing 8.3 filenames
  2. Enable 8.3 filename support (this enables 8.3 filename support, but does not add 8.3 filenames to any existing files or folders)
  3. Set 8.3 filenames on any files and folders in a given directory structure that do not already have 8.3 filenames

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2.2. Check for Missing 8.3 Filenames

  1. Download and save the Trumpet-WDForce3dot3Names.exe tool (Trumpet will email you this link after you've placed an order)
  2. Launch Trumpet-WDForce8dot3Names.exe
  3. Fill in the folder, then click the "check" button



  4. The 8.3 tool will analyze the existing files and folders.  When it completes, check the number of files missing 8.3 names:
    • If the number is 0, you are finished
    • If the number is greater than 0, continue with this procedure

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2.3. Enable 8.3 Filename Support

Windows Server 2008 R2 or Windows 7 and Above

  • From the console of the server, type the following command:
    > fsutil 8dot3name set 0
  • Then:
    > fsutil 8dot3name query
  • Confirm that the value is now set to '0'
  • Next, continue to the 'Force 8.3 Filenames' section to force 8.3 filenames into the existing legacy files and folders


For Servers Prior to 2008 R2 and Workstations Prior to Windows 7

  • From the console of the server, type the following command:
    > fsutil behavior set disable8dot3 0
  • Then:
    > fsutil behavior query disable8dot3
  • Confirm that the value is now set to '0'
  • Reboot the server
    Important: For servers prior to 2008 R2 and workstations prior to Windows 7, a reboot is required.
  • Once the server is rebooted, continue to the 'Force 8.3 Filenames' section

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2.4. Force 8.3 Filenames

Tip:  Forcing 8.3 filenames requires that the server be able to obtain an exclusive lock on each file and folder.  It may be desirable to perform the following operation after-hours to minimize potential for users having files open.

  1. Launch Trumpet-WDForce8dot3Names.exe
  2. Fill in the path that you wish to generate 8.3 filenames for
  3. Click "Fix"
  4. When complete, check any files or folders that couldn't be fixed.  If this happens on a small number of files, it is acceptable to ignore them.  Alternatively, re-run the the Fix after-hours

Note: This procedure must be performed from the server itself, with a path pointing to the local disk of the server – it cannot be run against a network drive.

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3. FAQs

3.1. Does the 8.3 fix impact existing files at all?

The 8.3 tool will not impact existing files in any way.  The original filename is preserved, file contents are unaltered, etc.

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3.2. Will the 8.3 tool slow the server down?

No – the 8.3 tool requires very little server resources to run – you can safely run it during the day without impacting users.

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4. Troubleshooting Tips and Tricks

4.1. File Paths Longer than 260 Characters not Being Indexed

If the Indexer PC is an older Windows XP computer, it may not have support for Unicode enabled.  If that is the case, then WDINDEX will not be able to index files that have paths longer than 260 characters (even if they have 8.3 filenames).

To enable internationalization:

  1. Control Panel > Region and Language
  2. On the Languages tab, confirm that the 'Install files for complex script and right-to-left languages (including Thai)' checkbox is checked
    • If it is checked, then this workstation has Unicode enabled
    • If it is not checked, check it and click "OK".  You may be prompted for the Windows installation media, and will need to reboot the workstation as part of the installation process

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