title: How can I convert a Windows short name path into long names within a batch script
body: <p>I am writing a Windows batch script, and I have an argument or variable containing a path that uses short 8.3 names. The path might represent a file or folder.</p>
  
  <p>How can I convert the 8.3 path into a long-name path? At a minimum I would like to be able to simply print out the full long-name path. But ideally I would like to safely get the long-name path into a new variable.</p>
  
  <p>For example, given the path <code>C:\PROGRA~1\AVASTS~1\avast\BROWSE~1.INI</code>, I would like to return <code>C:\Program Files\AVAST Software\avast\BrowserCleanup.ini</code>.</p>
  
  <p>As a batch enthusiast, I am most interested in a pure batch solution that uses only native Windows commands. But hybird use of other native scripting tools like PowerShell and JScript is also acceptable.</p>
  
  <p><strong><em>Note:</em></strong> <em>I am posting my own answer for this question. I searched the web, and was surprised to find precious little on this subject. I developed multiple working strategies, and thought others might be interested in what I found.</em></p>