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Article ID: 938129 - Last Review: February 21, 2008 - Revision: 1.1

An application does not start in Windows Vista when you drag two or more files onto the application shortcut

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SYMPTOMS

An application does not start in Windows Vista when you drag two or more files onto the application shortcut.

Note This behavior also occurs when you start an application after you register the shortcut on the Send menu.

CAUSE

This problem occurs when the length of a file's absolute path exceeds 260 characters, and the information cannot be accommodated in the buffer. When the file is dragged onto the application’s shortcut, the file's absolute path is passed from the file to the application. The length of the buffer that holds the file's absolute path is fixed at 260 characters. This includes the last row.

WORKAROUND

To work around this problem, configure the absolute path so that it does not exceed 260 characters.

MORE INFORMATION

Steps to reproduce the problem

  1. Create a shortcut icon for an application that can open multiple files.
  2. Select multiple files.
  3. Make sure that one of the files has an absolute path that exceeds 260 characters.
  4. Drag the selected files onto the application shortcut.

APPLIES TO
  • Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Business
  • Windows Vista Business 64-bit Edition
  • Windows Vista Enterprise
  • Windows Vista Home Basic
  • Windows Vista Home Premium
  • Windows Vista Starter
  • Windows Vista Ultimate
Keywords: 
kbharmony kbprb kbexpertiseinter kbtshoot KB938129

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