Document 229

Message: Invalid characters in the file name

Version: 3.x, 4.x, 5.x - Scientific WorkPlace & Scientific Word

Problem

When you try to compile a file, the program returns this message:

Invalid characters in the file name or path directories. Enter alpha-numeric characters, hyphens, and periods only. No more than one period in sequence is allowed in the name of a file or directory. Do you wish to continue?

If you choose Yes, TrueTeX will attempt to compile your document, but will halt with the message

Please type another input file name.

Explanation

You have tried to compile a file whose name or directory name contains a space. Names that contain spaces cause errors with TeX. For example, a file with this name can be compiled successfully:

c:\myfiles\averylongfilename.tex

but a file with this name cannot:

c:\my files\a very long filename.tex

Solution

Cancel the compilation, save the file under a new name that contains no spaces and in a new directory whose name contains no spaces. Try the compilation again.

NoteFile names that contain spaces don't cause problems if you preview or print without typesetting (that is, using File/Preview or File/Print).

See also

• Underscores in file names

Last revised 05/22/06

This document was created with Scientific WorkPlace.