How file names are translated

  • Article

Applies To: Windows Server 2003, Windows Server 2003 R2, Windows Server 2003 with SP1, Windows Server 2003 with SP2

How file names are translated

There are two things to be aware of regarding file-name translation when running Services for Macintosh:

  • How Macintosh file names are maintained and presented to various users.

  • How the longer NTFS names (more than 32 characters) are presented to Macintosh users.

When a Macintosh user creates a file or a folder on the server and gives it a name, File Server for Macintosh checks it for illegal NTFS characters. If the file name contains illegal NTFS characters, File Server for Macintosh replaces the illegal characters. Otherwise, the original Macintosh name is the same as the NTFS name. Macintosh users see the name as it was created. Windows users see the same name with any illegal characters replaced.

After File Server for Macintosh has replaced illegal NTFS characters, names that are too long for MS-DOS users are shortened to six characters, a tilde (~), and a unique number. Extensions are preserved.

Users creating long NTFS file names (up to 256 characters) should name files with 31 characters (the Macintosh limit) or fewer so that Macintosh users can readily decipher the file names.

Summary:

  • A file created using the FAT file naming convention appears as created to NTFS users and Macintosh users.

  • A file created using the 31-character limit of the Macintosh system appears as created (except with illegal characters replaced) to NTFS users. MS-DOS users see a short name.

  • A file created using the NTFS 256-character limit appears as created to Macintosh users if it has 31 or fewer characters. Otherwise, it appears to both MS-DOS and Macintosh users in the shortened form.

Note

  • Because MS-DOS users refer to files created by Macintosh users by the translated short names, Macintosh users should give the FAT standard names (eight characters plus an optional period and three-character extension) to files and folders that will also be used by MS-DOS users. This way MS-DOS users won't have to decipher short names. Macintosh users can use long file and folder names if no MS-DOS users need to access those files.