Why Can't I Name a Folder aux in Windows 2003?

[-Job-]

Can't name a folder "aux"

I have windows 2003 server and whenever i attempt to name a folder "aux" it just switches back to the previous name not allowing me to have a folder named "aux". "aux2" is allowed. I thought this was curious.

 

[dduardo]

It must be some type of reserved word. Why the restriction? I have no idea, but it seems like Microsoft has hacked up their filesystem to be backwards compatibilty or something.

You also can't use: CON, COM1, NUL, PRN

In *nix all these devices would be under /dev so you don't have the filename restriction. You just can't create two files with the same in in the same folder.

I found the info here:

http://groups.google.com/group/micr...2003+aux+folder&rnum=2&hl=en#2e73b889b5232b37

 

[ravenprp]

The reason you are unable to name a folder "aux" in Windows 2003 is because "aux" is a reserved keyword in the Windows operating system. This means that it is a special term used by the system for a specific purpose, and cannot be used for naming folders or files. Other reserved keywords include "con", "prn", "nul", and "com1" to "com9". These keywords are used for specific system functions, such as printing or communication with hardware devices. Using them for folder names could potentially cause conflicts and disrupt the functioning of the system. Therefore, it is not allowed to use these reserved keywords for naming folders or files in Windows 2003.