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Description of the Issue

On Windows 11, Notepad++ v8.7.8 (64-bit) is unable to open a file located at D:\con.1.txt.

However, the same file can be opened successfully using the standard Windows Notepad application. It can also be accessed without issues using Total Commander.

This suggests the issue might be specific to how Notepad++ handles files named using reserved DOS/Windows device names like CON.

Is there any way to configure or fix Notepad++ so it can open files named like this, similar to how Windows Notepad or Total Commander can? Or is this considered expected behavior due to the reserved filename?

Steps To Reproduce

1. On a Windows system (e.g., Windows 11).
2. Create a file named con.<something>.txt (e.g., con.1.txt) in any accessible location (e.g., D:\ or C:\temp\). Note: Creating this file might require using Command Prompt (echo test > D:\con.1.txt) or a tool like Total Commander, as Windows Explorer often prevents creating files with reserved names like CON.
3. Open Notepad++ (v8.7.8 64-bit or similar).
4. Go to File -> Open....
5. Navigate to the directory containing the con.1.txt file.
6. Select the con.1.txt file and click the "Open" button.

Current Behavior

Notepad++ fails to open the selected file (D:\con.1.txt).

Expected Behavior

Notepad++ should successfully open the file (D:\con.1.txt) in a new tab, displaying its contents, just as standard Windows Notepad or other file managers/editors like Total Commander are able to do.

Debug Information

Notepad++ v8.7.8   (64-bit)
Build time : Mar  7 2025 - 20:39:25
Path : C:\Program Files\Notepad++\notepad++.exe
Command Line : "D:\con.1.txt"
Admin mode : OFF
Local Conf mode : OFF
Cloud Config : OFF
Periodic Backup : ON
Placeholders : OFF
Scintilla Rendering Mode : SC_TECHNOLOGY_DIRECTWRITE (1)
Multi-instance Mode : monoInst
File Status Auto-Detection : cdEnabledNew (for current file/tab only)
Dark Mode : ON
OS Name : Windows 11 Pro for Workstations (64-bit)
OS Version : 24H2
OS Build : 26100.3476
Current ANSI codepage : 936
Plugins : 
    mimeTools (3.1)
    NppConverter (4.6)
    NppExport (0.4)

Anything else?

#12453