Create restricted files and folders like CON, AUX, NUL in a click in Windows

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Most of you may be aware that MS-DOS Device Driver names cannot be used as file names in Windows. As a result, we are unable to name folders as con, aux, nul, etc.

Microsoft MS-DOS had reserved these names for these system device drivers.

  • CON : Keyboard and display
  • PRN : System list device, usually a parallel port
  • AUX : Auxiliary device, usually a serial port
  • CLOCK$ : System real-time clock
  • NUL: Bit-bucket device
  • A:-Z: : Drive letters
  • COM1 : First serial communications port
  • LPT1 : First parallel printer port
  • LPT2 : Second parallel printer port
  • LPT3 : Third parallel printer port
  • COM2 : Second serial communications port
  • COM3 : Third serial communications port
  • COM4 : Fourth serial communications port

But even today if you try to name a folder using one of these reserved names, you will receive the following error message: The specified device name is invalid.

invalid folder names 400x140 Create restricted files and folders like CON, AUX, NUL in a click in Windows

These restrictions still exist in the NT-based Windows, possibly the reason being to allow compatibilty for running 16-bit programs and for command-line based programs. The complete Windows Naming Files, Paths, Namespaces, Conventions can be found here.

While you can use Linux or MS-DOS commands to create the folder names such as “con”, I came across this app Concu which claims to let you create and delete folders with restricted names, in a click.

con folder names 400x373 Create restricted files and folders like CON, AUX, NUL in a click in Windows

Why does this program exist? Just to make a point that it can be done using a tool, thats all!

I know, I know this is real old stuff, but this is for those who may not be knowing about it. icon wink Create restricted files and folders like CON, AUX, NUL in a click in Windows

Posted by on , in Category Windows with Tags
Anand aka HappyAndyK is an end-user Windows enthusiast, a Microsoft MVP in Windows Desktop Experience since 2007, and the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com, TheGeeksClub.com & WinVistaClub.com. Creating a System Restore Point before trying out a new software or a tweak is always recommended.
  • Shankar

    I am not a computer expert, but my question is can this program be useful to use DOS applications-Games,etc.

  • Deepak_kapoorjob3

    you can create that by inserting alt+255con