Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC Help - 02 blue red
Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC Help - 09 white 120

Windows XP - Disable support for old file names and gain speed

February 3, 2013
Updated: April 14, 2022
Quick overview:

The many advantages of security and speed also come with a small disadvantage. Reading and writing data is slightly slowed down by the support for Windows 3.1/DOS file names, which only consist of 8 letters. You can safely take off this inhibitor if you are not using such an operating system on the side or are not a member of a network with Windows 3.1/DOS computers. And this is how it works:

(Note the warning below before you start)

1. Click on Start and select Run. A window will immediately open in whose command line you type regedit and confirm with Ok.

2. The Windows registry opens. Work your way through the following keys step by step: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\ CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem.

3. Double-click NtfsDisable8Dot3NameCreation in the right-hand pane and enter 1 in the command line that appears.
Now confirm with Ok and restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Warning I: We have noticed that some users are complaining about difficulties with DOS programs, resulting in the following error messages:

If you still often use very old programs that use the old file notation, we strongly advise against this tweak, as it can no longer be undone.

This error message is particularly serious if you try to install the Via4in1 driver, which takes over the configuration for the hard disk controller and mainboard control. I received interesting information about this topic by e-mail (from Mr. Blei): If you install the corresponding program in a directory that is based on 8+3 (e.g. C:\Prog\VIA\setup.exe), the installation can be carried out smoothly. This was confirmed in a test.

Update problems with Norton AntiVirus 2004 have also been reported occasionally: If NAV is installed with deactivated 8+3 file names (value 1), the setup runs smoothly, whereby the program update (not the virus definition update) is later no longer operational. Even the temporary activation of these file names no longer helps (value 0). The solution is a complete reinstallation with 8+3 file names switched on (restart required). Pay attention to this during installation! Afterwards, it does not matter whether 0 or 1, because the update will then work in both cases.

Many thanks for the NAV hint to Mr. Orlowski, who took the great trouble to test this symptom and provided me with the results by e-mail.
Warning II: Thanks to a letter from Mr. Kaltenecker, I found out that some shared objects via network are no longer displayed after deactivating the 3.1 file names. So if you have problems finding network folders and files, we recommend that you do not use this setting.

Founded Windows Tweaks as a teenager in the 90s. His helpful PC tricks made it Germany's most visited Windows site (at the time Sandro looked like this). He then went on to write elsewhere, for example for PC-Praxis, Computer Bild and PCWorld in the USA. Microsoft also poached him from us. Now Sandro is back, finally sharing his tweaks here again. For a stress-free digital everyday life. You can reach Sandro via e-mail.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Windows Tweaks Logo Microsoft PC Help - 09 white 120
by Real Tech Experts
Save time and nerves with expert knowledge about software, hardware, AI & Microsoft. 
Windows Tweaks Microsoft PC Help - SINCE 1998 - retina 2

Time-saving tips for PCs, laptops, Windows and software?

Subscribe to our newsletter, receive only our best tutorials & tweaks and exclusive tips for our subscribers. 
Newsletter form
Can be canceled at any time. About 1 - 2 mails per month. The consent includes the information on revocation, shipping service provider and statistics according to our Privacy policy.
© 1998 - 2025 Windows-Tweaks.info
Made in Germany with ❤️ 
For all technology users around the globe.
This website runs on 🌳 GREEN energy
crossmenu