<p>I'm using C++ and accessing a UNC path across the network.  This path is slightly greater than MAX_PATH. So I cannot obtain a file handle.</p>

<p>But if I run the program on the computer in question, the path is not greater than MAX_PATH.  So I can get a file handle.  If I rename the file to have less characters (minus length of computer name) I can access the file. </p>

<p>Can this file be accessed across the network even know the computer name in the UNC path puts it over the MAX_PATH limit?</p>

You might be able to get a handle to the file if you try opening the file after converting the file name to a short (8.3) file name.  Failing that can you map the dir the file is in as a drive and access the file that way?