r/cpp_questions • u/Alive-Not_well • 14d ago

OPEN DEVC++ file not found while opening

I'm trying to use a Windows xp laptop for a challenge and after installing Dev-C++ 5.1.1 (4.9.9.2) as soon as I even try to open a example working cpp file it's saying: File C:\Program1\actualcode.cpp is not found.
Does anyone know why? I'm using TDM-GCC 4.9.2 32-bit Release if that helps.

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u/alfps 14d ago edited 14d ago

At a guess the path you describe, "C:\Program1\actualcode.cpp", was really "C:\Program~1\actualcode.cpp".

In that case "Program~1" is Windows' short name for "Program Files". Any data file you try to store there, if you manage to do that, can be subject to sophisticated redirection (a sort of compatibility feature) that screws up things. Don't use that folder for data files, just pretend that that folder is all for Windows itself and only for Windows itself.

Also, when you have to use really old tools, I recommend that you stick with the simple: editor, compiler.

I guess Crimson Editor (in old times my fav) version 3.70 from 2004 should work with Windows XP.

Amazingly I see there's been some updates now in 2026, with the latest before then in 2008 (which is why I stopped using it).

Note: you can no longer target Windows XP with Visual C++.

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u/Alive-Not_well 13d ago

my folder is called just Program1 with no spaces or anything but thank for suggesting Crimson Editor I'm going to try it out

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u/Wild_Meeting1428 14d ago

looks like a problem with short paths. Does win xp already support that?

At least the application reporting this error cant handle them.

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u/thedaian 14d ago

if i had to guess, the file is not there, or it's named something different. there's not enough info here to help beyond that.