Validate a file name on Windows

Question

public static boolean isValidName(String text)
{
    Pattern pattern = Pattern.compile(\"^[^/./\\\\:*?\\\"<>|]+$\");
    Matcher matcher = pattern.matcher(text         


        

Answer 1

You can check all the reserved names (AUX, CON, and the like) and then use this code:

bool invalidName = GetFileAttributes(name) == INVALID_FILE_ATTRIBUTES && 
        GetLastError() == ERROR_INVALID_NAME;

to check for any additional restriction. But note that if you check for a name in a non existant directory you will get ERROR_PATH_NOT_FOUND whether the name is really valid or not.

Anyway, you should remember the old saying:

It's easier to ask for forgiveness than it is to get permission.