Windows 7 Truncated Folder Name, Full Name Hidden

[Benihana]

Windows 7 x32 Home Premium

Hello. I have an odd issue, which I'm sure it easily solved once you know how.

Premise: I backup software discs onto my hard-disk as I have lost softwares in the past due to CD scratches. I have a folder named "Disc Images" and then "CD" as a sub-folder.I typically put each software into its own folder within CD and then name it including the version number. (i.e. "Diablo II 1.03") So the path is as follows: "G:\Disc Images\CD\"

Problem: When browsing the folders through windows explorer, I notice that most of the time my folders have truncated names. Specifically, just some of the version numbers are missing from the title. But, when I click on "properties" and then "sharing" you can clearly see the entire name.

Addendum: Sometimes very rarely, my windows explorer HAS the full filename. The two times that it happened were once when I was viewing the folders through VirtualCloneDrive's "mount image" browser, and once through windows explorer immediately after I had seen the properties of "G:\Disc Images\CD"

Does anybody know why this happens, and how I can fix it?

PS - Obviously I could rename each folder as there aren't many, but I'm curious as to WHY this happens. Also, my hard-disks are called "Server 1, 2" but they don't serve anywhere. They are merely the Server-grade Enterprise drives, and Backup is my backup hard-disk.

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you're experiencing an issue with truncated folder names in Windows Explorer, specifically when browsing your "Disc Images" folder containing software discs backed up on your hard disk. This behavior, where only part of the folder names is displayed, can be perplexing. Here are a few possible reasons and solutions for this issue:

Possible Reasons for Truncated Folder Names:​

1. Long Path Names: Windows has a limitation on the maximum length of a path. If the combined folder and file names exceed the limit, Windows might truncate the names for display.
2. Display Settings: Windows Explorer might truncate filenames to fit within the available space in the view pane. Adjusting the display settings could help show the full names.

   Solutions to Fix Truncated Folder Names:​

3. Check Path Length: Verify if the total path length (including the folder names) isn't exceeding the Windows limit of 260 characters. Shortening folder names or moving folders to a higher level in the directory structure can resolve this.
4. Adjust View Settings: Try changing the view settings in Windows Explorer to ensure that full names are displayed. You can adjust the column width, choose a different view mode (e.g., Details view), or enable full path display.
5. Use Shorter Names: As a workaround, shortening folder names can prevent truncation. You mentioned that the issue occurs sporadically with version numbers, so shortening them slightly might help.
6. Update Windows: Ensure your Windows 7 system is up to date with the latest patches and updates. Sometimes, software bugs related to file handling are addressed in updates.

   Understanding the Naming Quirk:​

   The behavior where full folder names are visible after viewing the properties or accessing them through specific tools like VirtualCloneDrive could be related to how Windows Explorer handles file name caching or rendering.

   Regarding Drive Names:​

   Regarding the naming of your hard drives as "Server 1, 2" and "Backup," it's common to name drives for organizational purposes without requiring them to serve in a traditional server role. Feel free to try these suggestions to address the truncated folder name issue in Windows Explorer. If the problem persists, considering the age of Windows 7, transitioning to a newer version might also provide a more stable and updated experience.