Cannot create a specific file named “con.php” in Windows

Question

I have Windows XP SP3 and cannot create the file named con.php anywhere on disk. I get a message that the file already exists.

Searching in Windows explorer I found not one such a file name on the whole disk.

Why is this happening?

Here is the brief discussion about restrictive file names in windows. http://stackoverflow.com/a/3380159/866571. Hope that may help. — Mayura, Apr 16 '14 at 18:44
Does this answer your question? Why can't I name a folder or file 'CON' in Windows? — phuclv, Dec 31 '20 at 02:11

score 4 · Accepted Answer · answered Apr 16 '14 at 18:44

4

Con is a restricted filename in Windows, so you can't name any file or folder "con". This link provides more info, as well as a utility that (apparently) lets you get around this restriction: http://www.thewindowsclub.com/create-restricted-files-folders-con-aux-nul-click-windows

answered Apr 16 '14 at 18:44

Russianspi

1

Thanks Russianspi, but it's so stupid, isn't it? User should be given the message that the name is reserved, but not that the file already exists. Anyway, solved, thanks. – bonaca Apr 16 '14 at 19:06
If it's any consolation, the error message in Windows 8 was something easily Googleable. – Russianspi Apr 16 '14 at 19:26

1 Answers1