Issue/Question
- When accessing a file on a network share, I receive the error "The file name is too long" or "There was an error while opening this document. The path does not exist."
Environment
- Oregon State University
- Network Share Drive
Explanation
The path to a file is included in the length of the file name. If the path to your file is very long, you may not be able to open the file.
Resolution
Map a Network Drive Letter
If you do not already have a drive letter mapped to your network share drive location, you can add a drive letter mapping manually. This will shorten the path to the file name.
You can also map another drive letter further into the folder path. For example, if your S: drive is mapped to \\departments.tss.oregonstate.edu\departments\Deptname, you can also map your X: drive to \\departments.tss.oregonstate.edu\departments\Deptname\Foldername\Foldername\etc...
For steps to map a network drive, see: Access Network Drives
Assistance
For assistance, contact the Service Desk.