ERROR_META_EXPANSION_TOO_LONG - 208 (0xD0)
The global filename characters, * or ?, are entered incorrectly or too many global filename characters are specified.
Updated: Feb 21, 2026
Technical Meaning
The ERROR_META_EXPANSION_TOO_LONG error code indicates that a path specification contains an incorrect or excessive use of global filename characters, such as * or ?, which are used to represent multiple filenames. This can occur when attempting to expand a wildcard pattern in a directory listing or file operation.
Error Details
This error is typically encountered during operations involving file system enumeration or manipulation where the specified path contains too many wildcards. The global filename characters, * and ?, are designed to match zero or more characters and one or more characters, respectively, but their usage must be within certain limits to avoid exceeding system constraints.
Usage Context
This error can arise in various scenarios such as:
- Directory enumeration with wildcard patterns
- File operations involving multiple files matching a pattern
- Shell commands that expand wildcards
Developer Interpretation
When this error is returned, it signifies that the path specification provided contains too many global filename characters. Developers should ensure that their applications handle file paths correctly and avoid excessive use of wildcards to prevent such errors.
Related Errors
FAQ
Q: What does the ERROR_META_EXPANSION_TOO_LONG error mean?
A: It indicates that a path specification contains too many global filename characters, such as * or ?, which exceed system constraints.
Q: How can I avoid this error?
A: Ensure that your application handles file paths correctly and avoids excessive use of wildcards in directory enumeration or file operations.
Summary
The ERROR_META_EXPANSION_TOO_LONG error code is specific to the misuse of global filename characters * or ? in a path specification. Developers should be cautious when using wildcard patterns to avoid exceeding system limits and ensure robust handling of file paths in their applications.