Have you ever encountered a destination path too long error when moving/copying a file? This is one of the common problems that users often face, but not everyone knows how to solve it. And everything is stuck right here.
But don’t worry, you’re in the right place! We’re here to support you with more than seven solutions for this case. Keep reading to know more and learn about it!
Destination Path Too Long Error When Moving/Copying A File
Solution 1: Shortening The Parent File Name
The simplest way to repair it is this. However, you should be aware that it is not always accessible, particularly if you have a lot of files that are longer than allowed.
If this problem affects specific files or folders, you can abbreviate their names before running your operation to check if the problem is resolved. Try the following fix if the error message is still displayed.
https://www.rename-expert.com/examples/_images/adjust_columns_add_path_length.png
Solution 2: Change The Extension Of Your File Temporarily To Text
You can briefly try to change the file extension while moving a file, like a.zip,.rar, and then change it once the file has been relocated. The steps to process this are:
- Choose the file icon, then right-click (it can be .rar or .zip one), then choose Rename.
- Click on the extension and modify it to .txt.
- Transfer the document to the desired location.
- Change the extension to reflect its initial structure.
If you can’t change the extension, you can follow this guideline:
- Choose View, enter Options, go to the Change folder and search options, and select View tab.
- Inspect the box that is associated with the extension.
- After relocating your file to its desired location, right-click it again, select Rename, and change the extension.
Solution 3: Extract The File
- Click the right mouse on the file, then select Rename.
- Shorten the parent file name.
- Copy and paste the file on other discs, such as C: drive.
- Extract it and check the error again.
Solution 4: Use The Xcopy Command
When we look into this problem online, several users claim that the xcopy command helps fix it. It’s worthwhile to attempt this approach:
- Start the Command Prompt, then choose the cmd.
- Click the right mouse and enter Run as Administrator.
- Type xcopy *path to source files* *path to destination* /O /X /E /H /K to elevate this feature.
- The terms *path to source files* and *path to destination*, in this case, are only stand-ins for the actual paths.
- Swap out its placeholders with the actual places, and press Enter.
Solution 4: Using the Registry Editor
If you need more than 260 characters, you can use the Registry Editor to turn on the system’s long path support. Many operating system features, including the one in question, can be customized using the Registry.
However, we strongly advise establishing a Registry backup before using this strategy. If something goes wrong while the process is running, you can use this to return to the current Registry state.
- Run this one by the combination of Windows + R.
- Type “Regedit” to run the Registry Editor.
- Next, you need to navigate it by typing HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Control\FileSystem.
- Click twice on LongPathsEnabled.
- Set the value of the data to 1, then you just click OK to finish.
- Restart and recheck the problem.
Solution 5: Fix It With Group Policy Editor
If, for some reason, you are unable to use the Registry Editor, you may also try turning on long path support using the Group Policy Editor. Another advanced-level tool in Windows that can assist you in customizing your system’s operations is this one.
- Start Run by pressing Windows + R.
- Type the gpedit.msc command and press Enter.
- In UAC Prompt, choose Yes.
- Navigate to the proper location by the command Computer Configuration/Administrative Templates/System > Filesystem.
- With the Enable Win32 long paths, locate it on the right side and double-click on this one.
- Choose Enabled, select Apply, then press OK.
Solution 6: Using Tool From Third Party
If the troubleshooting above techniques is unsuccessful, you might consider utilizing a third-party tool that provides the same services.
Many helpful tools are available online, both for free and for a fee. Install it once you’ve found the one that most suits your needs, then see if the error reappears while using it.
Solution 7: When The Issue Is System-Related
There is a good likelihood that the problem is caused by anything in the system if you are utilizing fewer than 260 characters and are still encountering the error.
Users frequently pointed out outdated drivers as a contributing factor to the problem. Other impacted individuals were able to resolve the issue by updating the necessary drivers.
- Search for Device Manager and open it.
- Realtek Pcie GBE Family Controller can be found by expanding the Network Adapters part and clicking it once.
- Select Update driver, then go to Search automatically for drivers.
- Click Next and OK to finish.
Verdict
Destination path too long error when moving/copying a file is a common issue that you may have to face, and it isn’t unsolvable. The proof is that with the seven solutions we have guided above, you can solve them quickly.
Remember to restart the system and recheck the error after fixing it.
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