YouTuber breaks down why you can't name a file CON on Windows

Who knew?
 By 
Sam Haysom
 on 
YouTuber breaks down why you can't name a file CON on Windows
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Got a friend named Con? Use Windows on your PC?

If you have, you do, and you've ever tried to name a photo file after them, you may have discovered a weird quirk: it can't be done. Attempting to name a folder or a file "CON" in Windows simply brings up an error message.

In the video above, YouTuber Tom Scott explains why. It's a little complicated, but it all relates back to MS-DOS, device files, and background compatibility.

Who knew?

Topics Windows

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Sam Haysom

Sam Haysom is the Deputy UK Editor for Mashable. He covers entertainment and online culture, and writes horror fiction in his spare time.


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