Skip to content

10AM–5PM by appt.
24h urgent appts

📞 0279-088880

All prices include GST

Cart
0 items

Computer Repair Guides

Use LiteralPath When a PowerShell Filename Contains Square Brackets

by AEPC / AKL East PC 28 Sep 2026

A file named Invoice [final].pdf can be a valid Windows filename while square brackets also have meaning in PowerShell wildcard patterns. Quoting the name keeps it together as an argument, but a cmdlet's Path parameter can still interpret that argument as a pattern.

Begin with the exact file visible in File Explorer. Confirm its folder and complete filename, including the extension. Do not rename it just to make an uncertain command stop complaining.

Test the exact item without changing it

In PowerShell on Windows, use Get-Item with LiteralPath for an exact filename. Replace the illustrative folder and name with your real path:

Get-Item -LiteralPath 'C:\Work\Invoice [final].pdf' |
    Select-Object -Property Name, FullName, Length

Microsoft documents LiteralPath as using the supplied location without interpreting characters as wildcards. Its separate Path parameter permits wildcard characters. The distinction belongs to the cmdlet as well as the shell's quoting rules.

Read the returned full path and filename. The Length value is another identity clue for a file, but matching a size alone would not prove that two files have identical content.

If the command still fails, compare the parent directory, spelling, extension and access error. LiteralPath addresses wildcard interpretation; it does not create a missing file or grant permission to a folder.

Decide whether the argument is a name or a pattern

Use literal selection when punctuation is part of one intended file's name. Use a wildcard-capable parameter only when a deliberate pattern should match a collection, and inspect that collection before any change.

Do not assume every command exposes LiteralPath or uses the same parameter names. Check the documentation for the later copy, move or other operation, preserving the intended exact-match behaviour. A successful Get-Item check is evidence about the selected item, not permission to apply an unrelated command blindly.

Keep the original filename and document links intact while investigating. Once exact selection is established, the next operation can be reviewed against the actual file rather than against an ambiguous pattern that happens to look like its name.

Sources: Microsoft Get-Item LiteralPath; Microsoft PowerShell wildcard rules.

Prev Post
Next Post

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Edit Option
Terms & Conditions
Unless otherwise stated, brand new accessories are guaranteed for one year. Second-hand parts are guaranteed for three months. Repair (hardware) is guaranteed for one month. The software is not covered by the warranty, you should contact the software development organization for technical support and after-sales service. The warranty is limited to the same position fault; the customer should provide the warranty with the complete Warranty sticker and the receipt of payment. Otherwise, it will not be guaranteed. (If the warranty label is damaged for any reason, is not covered by warranty.) We have a 7-day RTB return policy, which means you have 7 days after receiving your item to request a return. The return handling fee is 25 percent of the total amount. To be eligible for a return, your item must be in the same condition that you received it, unworn or unused, with tags, and in its original packaging. You’ll also need the receipt or proof of purchase. To start a return, you can contact us at akleastpc@gmail.com.  Items sent back to us without first requesting a return will not be accepted. You can always contact us for any return question at akleastpc@gmail.com. Damages and issues Please inspect your order upon reception and contact us immediately if the item is defective, damaged or if you receive the wrong item, so that we can evaluate the issue and make it right. Exceptions / non-returnable items Certain types of items cannot be returned, like perishable goods (such as food, flowers, or plants), custom products (such as special orders or personalized items), and personal care goods (such as beauty products). We also do not accept returns for hazardous materials, flammable liquids, or gases. Please get in touch if you have questions or concerns about your specific item. Unfortunately, we cannot accept returns on sale items or gift cards. Exchanges The fastest way to ensure you get what you want is to return the item you have, and once the return is accepted, make a separate purchase for the new item. Refunds We will notify you once we’ve received and inspected your return, and let you know if the refund was approved or not. If approved, you’ll be automatically refunded on your original payment method within 10 business days. Please remember it can take some time for your bank or credit card company to process and post the refund too. If more than 15 business days have passed since we’ve approved your return, please contact us at akleastpc@gmail.com.
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items