Illegal Windows Names

Written by Eric Wyatt (last updated November 2, 2020)

There is a lot of things we are able to do with our computers, especially with the Windows operating system. As the years go by we gain more and more features, faster and easier ways of doing things. Gone are the days of needing to swap out floppy disks.

Even with the advances in features, some things remain constant. One of those constants for the Windows operating system dates back to MSDOS and has to do with naming files. Due to the continuation of Windows being built on its predecessors, things that were not allowed, or illegal, tend to continue being unallowed. Even if things are not done the same way now they have to continue the tradition due in part to two words—backward compatibility. One of the areas where this is the most prevalent is, as mentioned before, with regards to naming a file or folder on your computer. If you try to use certain names, Windows simply won't allow it. You will get a simple dialog box that says "The specified device name is invalid." (See Figure 1.)

Figure 1. Rename dialog box showing a name can't be used.

Try as hard as you might, Windows will not allow these names for files or folders on your system:

CON COM4 LPT3
PRN COM5 LPT4
AUX COM6 LPT5
NUL COM7 LPT6
COM1 COM8 LPT7
COM2 COM9 LPT8
COM3 LPT1 LPT9
  LPT2

That is it, those are the names that cannot be used for files or folders on any Windows system. As you try to name your files keep these in mind, so even if it makes sense to you to put all of your Corporate Office Newsletters in an abbreviated "CON" folder you can't, and you'll need to come up with a new name. If you want to know about illegal characters check out this tip on character limits.

 This tip (13797) applies to Windows 7, 8, and 10.

Author Bio

Eric Wyatt

Eric Wyatt is a swell guy (or so his friends tell him). He is a formally trained designer and branding expert, bringing a wide range of skills to his Tips.Net articles. ...

MORE FROM ERIC

Navigate File Explorer Without a Mouse

Navigating Windows 10 File Explorer with your mouse is easy. As easy as using your mouse might be, using keyboard ...

Discover More

Look to the Background

Windows 10 has several apps that run in the background that help improve performance and function for your system. Some ...

Discover More

Change Your Pointer

Windows 10 uses a default mouse pointer size and color. With a quick setting change, you can customize the mouse size and ...

Discover More
More WindowsTips

Opening a File with a Program Other than the Default

Windows determines a program to use with a particular file based on the file's type. If you want to temporarily override ...

Discover More

Permanently Deleting a File

If you have a file that you're sure you want to permanently delete (instead of having it go to the Recycle Bin) it's an ...

Discover More

Using File History

Backing up your data is an important part of computer management. Enabling File History is a painless way to be able to ...

Discover More
Comments

If you would like to add an image to your comment (not an avatar, but an image to help in making the point of your comment), include the characters [{fig}] (all 7 characters, in the sequence shown) in your comment text. You’ll be prompted to upload your image when you submit the comment. Maximum image size is 6Mpixels. Images larger than 600px wide or 1000px tall will be reduced. Up to three images may be included in a comment. All images are subject to review. Commenting privileges may be curtailed if inappropriate images are posted.

What is 7 + 0?

There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)

Newest Tips
Links and Sharing
OUR COMPANY
OUR PRODUCTS
OUR SITES
 

Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.