You can unexpectedly use a blank name to rename a file on a removable storage device in Windows Media Player 10 (914768)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Media Player 10

SYMPTOMS

In Microsoft Windows Media Player 10, you can unexpectedly use a blank name to rename a file on a removable storage device. However, you cannot perform this same procedure in Windows Explorer.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because Windows Media Player and Windows Explorer do not use the same file-naming rules.

WORKAROUND

To work around this issue, disable the Hide extensions for known file types option. When you do this, you can still rename a file as a blank name in Windows Media Player. However, the file name extension now remains visible.

To disable the Hide extensions for known file types option, follow these steps:
  1. Open My Computer.
  2. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options, and then click the View tab.
  3. Click to clear the Hide extensions for known file types check box, and then click OK.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

To use a blank name to rename a file in Windows Media Player 10, follow these steps:
  1. Connect a removable storage device to the computer.
  2. Copy a file, such as a .jpg file, to the removable storage device.
  3. Start Windows Media Player, and then click the Sync tab.
  4. In the right pane, right-click the .jpg file, and then click Rename.
  5. Delete all the characters in the file name, and then click outside the file name box. The file name is now blank.
Notes
  • Although you can delete a file name, you cannot delete a file name extension. File name extensions are visible only if you disable the Hide extensions for known file types option. For example, if file name extensions are displayed, you can delete only those characters in the file name to the left of the period (.).
  • When you try to perform this procedure in Windows Explorer, the file reverts to its last valid name.
  • In Windows Media Player 10, you can use a blank name for only one file of a specific type in a single folder. For example, if you change "Kittens.jpg" to ".jpg," you cannot then change "Puppies.jpg" to ".jpg." You cannot have two files of the same name in the same folder. However, a single folder can contain one blank-name file for each different file type, as in the following example list:

    .jpg
    .bmp
    .wav
    .wma
    .mpg

Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:2/11/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot kbExpertiseBeginner KB914768 kbAudEndUser
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