Hi Jax
When encountering a "file name is too long" error when trying to open an Excel file stored on a network-attached storage (NAS), you can try the following solutions:
Rename the file: Shorten the file name or reduce the length of any folders within the file path. Windows has a maximum limit of 260 characters for a file path, including the file name and all folders in the path. By shortening the file name or rearranging the folder structure, you may be able to open the file successfully.
Map a network drive: Instead of accessing the NAS through the full file path, you can map a network drive to the specific folder where the Excel file is located. Mapping a network drive assigns a drive letter to the folder, allowing you to access it directly without worrying about the file path length. To map a network drive, follow these steps: a. Open File Explorer in Windows. b. Click on "This PC" or "Computer" on the left sidebar. c. Click on "Map network drive" from the top menu. d. Choose a drive letter and enter the network path of the NAS folder. e. Enable the "Reconnect at sign-in" option if you want the drive to be mapped automatically each time you start your computer. f. Click "Finish" to complete the mapping process.
Use a third-party tool: If the above solutions don't work, you can try using a third-party tool designed to handle long file paths. These tools often have features to bypass the Windows file path limitations and allow you to open files with long names. Examples of such tools include Long Path Tool, Path Too Long, and Total Commander.
Shorten the file path on the NAS: If you have access to the NAS settings, you can try shortening the file path directly on the NAS itself. This may involve restructuring the folder hierarchy or using shorter folder names. Consult the NAS documentation or contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to modify the file path settings.