Windows file name too long to delete move copy rename due to destination path too long

Hi friends,

Problem

When i am clearing my old windows folder from the OS installed drive, I had an issue of deleting the files and folder because the path name is too long.

The error message is

"Destination Path Too Long.

The file name(s) would be too long for the destination folder. You can shorten file name and try again, or try a location that has a shorter path."

Background

Windows OS will allow the file path to be max 255 characters. If any file or folder path is beyond 255 characters, you will not be able to perform any file actions like delete / move / copy / rename.

Solution

1. Navigate to the folder in the windows explorer
2. Type the following command in the address bar and hit enter key
• subst j:
3. Open a new windows explorer window
4. Now you will be able to see new drive with letter J:
5. You will be able to delete the files/folders with in the drive
6. To delete the other files, navigate to the parent folder and delete one after one or multiple folders path at a time.

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