diff --git a/src/calibre/gui2/metadata/basic_widgets.py b/src/calibre/gui2/metadata/basic_widgets.py
index 6aa8859685..0735a2f260 100644
--- a/src/calibre/gui2/metadata/basic_widgets.py
+++ b/src/calibre/gui2/metadata/basic_widgets.py
@@ -1157,7 +1157,7 @@ class Cover(ImageView):  # {{{
             return
         _file = files[0]
         if _file:
-            _file = os.path.abspath(_file)
+            _file = make_long_path_useable(os.path.abspath(_file))
             if not os.access(_file, os.R_OK):
                 d = error_dialog(self, _('Cannot read'),
                         _('You do not have permission to read the file: ') + _file)