FTP doesn't list files with multiple dots in the file name.

(Last modified: 29Jun2001)

This document (10057274) is provided subject to the disclaimer at the end of this document.

fact

NetWare NFS Services 2.4

NetWare NFS Services 2.3

NetWare UNIX Print Services 2.3

FTPSERV.NLM

Novell NetWare 4.2

Novell NetWare 4.11

Novell NetWare 5.0

symptom

FTP doesn't list files with multiple dots in the file name.

FTP Server will not display files with 3 or more dots in the file name.

FTP Server will not display files with more than 2 dots in the file name.

FTP Server will not display files with more than 1 dot in the file name.

The problem only exists when FTP is using LONG namespace.

cause

FTPSERV.NLM was initially designed with only NFS and DOS namespace support.  Fairly recently it was enhanced to support LONG namespace, but it was rather like attaching a new limb to an old body... it was only partially successful.  This "dots" issue is an example of that.  Engineering has made some minor improvements to this, but has determined that it cannot be corrected without major re-design of FTPSERV.NLM.  Novell development already redesigned and released a new FTP Server which fully supports LONG namespace (NWFTPD.NLM, part of NetWare 5.1).  While Novell intends to correct as many minor LONG namespace issues in FTPSERV.NLM as possible, issues that would require major redesign will not be pursued.

fix

FTPSERV.NLM version 10.19 (dated August 25, 2000) and later will show filenames containing up to 9 dots, if the directory list is done with a simple "ls" (NLST) or "dir" (LIST) command.  Or if a specific filename is specified, that will work as well (i.e.  ls a.b.c.d).  However, if any wildcards are used in the file specification, they will not be found.  For example, "ls *" will not show any files with more than one dot.  Neither will "ls a*".

This limitation will be especially noticeable if commands like "mget" and "mdel" are used with wildcards.  Those commands make use of directory lists.

If these types of commands are needed by the FTP clients / scripts in use, Novell recommends either (a) upgrading to NetWare 5.1 and using NWFTPD.NLM, or (b) setting FTPSERV.NLM to default to NFS namespace, which does not have this problem (but still supports names longer than 8.3).  That setting is made in UNICON, Manage Services, FTP Server, Set Parameters.  NFS namespace must be present on the volumes and FTP Server must be restarted after it's configuration is changed.

document

Document Title:	FTP doesn't list files with multiple dots in the file name.
Document ID:	10057274
Solution ID:	NOVL27852
Creation Date:	28Sep2000
Modified Date:	29Jun2001
Novell Product Class:	Connectivity Products

disclaimer

The Origin of this information may be internal or external to Novell. Novell makes all reasonable efforts to verify this information. However, the information provided in this document is for your information only. Novell makes no explicit or implied claims to the validity of this information.
Any trademarks referenced in this document are the property of their respective owners. Consult your product manuals for complete trademark information.