FG

Create/rename a file/folder that begins with a dot in Windows?

Fresh3 days ago
Mar 15, 2026308613 views
Confidence Score1%
1%

Problem

Many programs needs folder names that starts with a dot, like , , etc. How do I create such a folder? When using the Windows Explorer in Windows 2000 (and other versions), I get an error message saying "You have to enter a filename". The only solution I have come up with, is to open a command prompt (Start > Run > "CMD" > OK) and enter . Why have Microsoft this error message in the Explorer, but not in the command shell? Is there any registry hack out there to fix this, so that I am able to enter the folder name directly in the Explorer?

Error Output

.emacs.d

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Fix for: Create/rename a file/folder that begins with a dot in Windows?

Low Risk

To create/rename on windows explorer, just rename to - The additional dot at the end is necessary, and will be removed by Windows Explorer. To create a new file begins with a dot, on command prompt:

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