2.51.2: File cannot be opened with strange characters in the path [Solved]

[slowdawn]

Subject: 2.51.2: File cannot be opened with strange characters in the path

XnView: Classic 2.51.2 - 32 bit
OS: Windows 64bit

Now that google albums archive are going to be deleted (https://support.google.com/picasa/answer/7008270?hl=en) many users will download their backups. They are using a strange character (black dot) in the path:
Example: 2019-12-17-Hangout_ slow dawn ● [username]

Effect: You cannot open the picture because a warning is displayed and the picture is not opened.

To reproduce:
1. Try to open a picture placed in a folder which path contains "●"
2. Any other app will open the file, but xnview won't


Actual behaviour (bug): A warning is displayed, the picture is never opened. See attached "warning"

20_07_2023 001.png

Expected behaviour: The file should be opened, regardless of the path

[cday]

I don't see a "●" in the in the screenshot?

[slowdawn]

You are right, the "●" is rendered as "?" in the screenshot, but the character is there.
I assume that the encoding that is used to save the string path is not 100% right.

[cday]

XnView Classic doesn't have full Unicode support, you might try XnView MP which does...

[slowdawn]

OK Thanks for the workaround! I've installed the MP version and it works as expected. Thanks!