System and method for storing and retrieving filenames and files in computer memory

A system for storing filenames in and retrieving filenames from a memory device, comprising:

• means for determining a default text encoding based on a text encoding used to display text on a monitor coupled to said memory device;
• means for converting a filename from said default text encoding to Unicode text encoding;
• means for storing the converted filename in said memory device;
• means for receiving a retrieval request;
• means for converting said retrieval request from said default text encoding to Unicode text encoding;
• means for searching said memory device for a filename which matches the converted retrieval request;
• means for retrieving the file having the matching filename from said memory device;
• and
• means for modifying an encoding bitmap to indicate the use of said default text encoding.

A computer-readable medium for storing instructions for causing a computer to perform the steps of:

• determining a default text encoding based on a text encoding used to display text on a monitor coupled to a memory device;
• converting a filename from said default text encoding to Unicode text encoding;
• storing the converted filename in said memory device;
• receiving a retrieval request;
• converting said retrieval request from said default text encoding to Unicode text encoding;
• searching said memory device for a filename which matches the converted retrieval request;
• retrieving the file having the matching filename from said memory device;
• and
• modifying an encoding bitmap to indicate the use of said default text encoding.