Can you create a folder named "con” in windows ?
The Answer is NO and YES !
Why The answer is NO.
Before we proceed further, let me tell you a small secret you can’t even create a folder named
CON, PRN, AUX, NUL, COM1, COM2, COM3, COM4, COM5, COM6, COM7, COM8, COM9, LPT1, LPT2, LPT3, LPT4, LPT5, LPT6, LPT7, LPT8, and LPT9.
and many others.The reason you can’t create a folder with these names is because these are reserved keywords used by DOS. The below screen-shot taken from Microsoft’s website shows a list of reserved keywords in DOS.
NAME FUNCTION CON Key board and display. PRN system list device, usually a parallel port. AUX Auxiliary Device , usually a serial port. CLOCK$ system real-time clock. NUL Bit-bucket device. A: - Z: drive letters. COM1 First serial communication port. LPT1 First parallel printer port. LPT2 Second Parallel printer port. LPT3 Third Parallel printer port. COM2 Second serial communication port. COM3 Third serial communication port. COM4 Fourth serial communication port.
If you try creating a folder with any of these names, the name automatically changes back to the default "New Folder”. And this is what has caused the confusion. Instead of automatically renaming the folder, had an explanatory warning message popped up.
Yes We can create a folder named con .
There is actually a way to create a folder named CON, or any other name from the above list of reserved keywords. This can be done through command prompt. But it is advisable not to do so, as it might result in your system becoming unstable.
To create a folder named CON, go to command prompt and type "MD \\.\E:\CON” (without quotes). This will create a folder named CON in E:. See the screen-shot below.
You cannot delete this folder by normal delete. To delete the folder, again go to command prompt and type "RD \\.\E:\CON” without quotes.
See the screen-shot below.
So next time if any one tells you that we cannot rename a folder to con the create it and show them.
