DOS - CD to Directory with space in name

[SUTHNR]

Hey Guys/Gals,
I'm trying to set up a batch file in DOS that runs overnight and copies files across the network for duplicate backup storage. Problem I am running in to is I need to access a directory that has a space in the name - within the first 6 characters.

xcopy t:\Programs\Eudora~1\User Data c:\zz-3sx~1\Eudora-Pro-Email\ /e /v /h /k /y /r /f

The problem I am running into is I can NOT figure out how to access that "User Data" folder. I have tried just navigating (via dos CD command) into it and still can't get into it.

Any ideas? Or is it something that is just not doable in the old 8.3 naming convention?

Thanks!!
EricB

[RJ]

If you are in true DOS, the name will be converted to 8.3 format using the ~.
So User Data would be USERDA~1 . .. unless there is already something that begins with User Da, then it would be USERDA~2 and so on.

If you're in a DOS box then putting the path in these signs: ""
then it should work too. It'd be like

xcopy "t:\Programs\Eudora~1\User Data" c:\zz-3sx~1\Eudora-Pro-Email\ /e /v /h /k /y /r /f

If you are in true DOS then the Eudora-Pro-Email has to be shortened as well . .it'd be EUDORA~1

RJ

[SUTHNR]

Thanks for the quick reply!!

Sorry, operating in a DOS box in XP Pro.

The quotes worked on the xcopy command.

But same does not appear to hold true when just navigating folders in the dos box with the CD (CHDIR) command. Is there a way to navigate into a folder directly that includes a space in the first 6 characters (i.e., my "User Data" folder)?

Thanks again,
EricB

[RJ]

Ah, you are using the console of Windows XP.
Well, if you just want to change the directory with CD, you don't need the quotes at all. Just type in

cd user data

and it'll work. I just tried it on my PC. It's even not case sensitive.

RJ

[SUTHNR]

Hmmm...... Maybe my machine's just on crack Wouldn't be the first time...

I try the same thing here and I get a "Too many parameters - data" error.

Is there some other "console" as you called it different from the command prompt (start/run/command)?

Thanks,
EricB

[EzyStvy]

start->run->CMD

[RJ]

I just used the one in the accessories folder in the start menu . .. but that is just a shortcut to what EzyStvy said: CMD

RJ

[SUTHNR]

Aha... Let it be known that there is command.com and cmd.exe. *I* didn't realize that. I've been working in the "command" version

cmd.exe operates in full long-filename format, while command.com only operates in the 8.3 convention.

I'll see how things come out now.

Thanks for the input!
EricB