Long file name problem

[turbo2288]

I use Win XP. I copied some mp3 files with long file names in a directory 5 level deep to a external usb hard drive, some file names were cut short and changed and that's okay, but the main problem is why those original files were corrupted afterward [can't play or delete]?

Also is there a way to copy those files without shorten the names.
Thanks for anyone who could help explain.

[Dumb_Question]

I had a problem with copying files from one USB drive to another, some would not copy because XP thought the filename was too long, it didn't shorten the filenames though, just wouldn't copy those files between those locations - not exactly your problem I know, but here's what MadMal had to say in reply to my thread 'Copying Files', might be of some use ?:

Originally Posted by MadMal

About 256 is the maximum amount of characters of a file path (build path), having long names for sub-folders and having sub-folders within sub-folders, within sub-folders (and on, and on) will take you over the 256 limit (MAX_PATH) and then Windows Explorer can't handle the folder or any files inside it. This means no deleting, copying, moving, renaming etc.
From the Microsoft Support article You cannot delete a file or a folder on an NTFS file system volume
http://support.microsoft.com/kb/320081

Renaming the folders to the shortest name possible is the best solution because it will give you 'room to move' in the future.

By the way, if you search the web for an answer you will find expensive shareware software that (they say) can fix this problem, I don't know if it works but I know you don't need it. I also know that many of these software like to spam forums and I am a bit surprised one hasn't spammed this thread already (or maybe they did and the Mods nuked it)

Dumb_Question
29.May.2012
Compaq Presario S5160UK DT261A (Celeron 2.7 GHz 1.5GB RAM) - MSI MS6577 v2.1- XP/SP3