File name case sensitivity and Windows XP

Question

On several threads on this forum the issue of the case sensitivity of file names has been raised.  Example - can a file named 'FILE.TXT' and a file 'file.txt' exist in the same directory? There have been several replies some correct and some incorrect.  To, I hope put this issue to bed and to prevent misinformation from being spread and to prevent individuals from wasting time on this issue, I suggest that you read Microsoft’s statement on this.  Their statement can be found in http://www.microsoft.com/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/Default.asp?url=/resources/documentation/Windows/XP/all/reskit/en-us/prkc_fil_wqcq.asp this applies to NTFS only.  In Fat32 the answer is 'don’t even bother'.  Another path to resolution is to try it yourself, try to create more than one file in a directory whose name only differs by case.  To summarize what Microsoft says Windows XP's file system is case preserving but not case sensitive, unless you are using the Internix 2.2 subsystem.  P.S.  Let me also say that 1 - This post is consistent with the rules of this forum, I am not jumping on or posting to an active thread, and 2 - the issue of file case of names case has been discussed on sever threads on this forum, so that is where this information is needed.

dalem29 · Answer

This forum is for the posting  of HJT logs only, as far as I know. Your post would be more appropriate on the spyware forum or even the software forum. That would be more in the spirit of going by the forum rules, since the point you bring up has not been an issue here.  :smileywink:

msgale · Answer

Try reading between the lines of my post and you will see that this is exactly the right place for my post. Until a Dell moderator deletes this thread or ask me not to post here I will assume that my posting does comply with all rules of this forum. P.S. are my facts wrong? Is not Microsoft the correct source of the facts? Does not the referenced URL say agree with me? Haven't some individuals stated contrary views? Are not facts better than opinions? Shouldn't everyone know the facts? P.P.S since "the point you bring up has not been an issue here," yes it has. Read all the replies to all the recent threads on this forum.

ALgal · Answer

can a file named 'FILE.TXT' and a file 'file.txt' exist in the same directory?    So you may have some facts but how does this relate to entries in a Hijackthis log?

cghost · Answer

Very interesting. Thanks for the info. That poses an intriguing possibility for a malware attack and related removal trap. Regards. cg

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