I am trying to change directory into a foder named server6.0 using dos(using c:\>cd server6.0 )and keep getting invalid directory error even though though the directory exists. I realise this is not a valid msdos file directory name but is there a way round this - Can anybody help me ? my operating system is windows 2000

Yes, Try cd "server6.0" Although I have windows 2000 and I was able to cd to a directory named server6.0 without using the quotes. Check the attributes for the directory as it may be a system directory directory. (Just type attrib at the root directory and see if the s attribute is set for that directory). I take that back, I set the system attribute and was still able to cd to the directory. I have no idea what your problem is. Perhaps your FAT has errors. Hope that helps, -Michael

Folders (or directories) under old DOS follow the 8.3 convention, as well, certain symbols cannot be used (? * | and others). Server6.0 IS a valid directory name. Is the path correct - that is, would the pathname be C:\server6.0 ? DOS commands are relative to 'where' you are issuing them from, the "\" indicates the root of the C: drive, and should be included if your "location" is some other directory (such as windows) - otherwise cd server6.0 would send you to a subdirectory of of your current "location" - such as c:\windows\server6.0 - which prob'ly doesn't exist (invalid directory). As Michael mentions, quotes can be used when specifying a "long" directory name - but shouldn't be needed in this case.

Some folders simply will not let you into them. Some hidden \restore folders in Windows ME are like this.

If you are using the "command.exe" command from the run field this will give you the invalid directory when using the cd command for Windows 2000. Use the cmd.exe command or from the winnt directory make a shortcut of the cmd.exe to the desktop. You will be able to successfully use the cd command regardless of the long directory name. Also, with this shortcut you can change properties to suit one's preference and set the screen to scroll by setting the height to 999. This will work.

The cmd.exe works! Though I'm never surprised at Microsoft breaking something that works I must say they never cease to amaze me. I'm surprised they haven't rewritten the code to have "cd" mean "del". I really can't believe I needed to get on the Internet to solve this but I sure am thankful to those who figured it out. Thanks much!

Use the quotes (") for accesing those directories: cd "Documents and settings" (example)