Quick Tip

105-2010
 

Turn On File Extensions

You can make files easier to understand and work with by configuring Windows 7 to display file extensions. A file extension is a code of three or more characters that appears at the end of a file name, after the period.

Windows 7 ships with file extensions turned off.  This is often a problem because it is difficult to tell what file type a document uses without seeing the extension.

For a list of file extensions go to http://tinyurl.com/26cc5yz

TIP: In any folder window, click Organize. Click Folder and Search Options. The Folder Options dialog box appears. Click the View Tab. In the Advanced Settings, find: Hide extensions to known file types. Remove the check mark and click OK. Windows 7 will now display the file extensions on all files.

Apply It. Once you have configured Windows 7 to display file extensions, you can then edit a file’s extension. To do this, use Windows Explorer to navigate to the folder containing the file, click the file, and then press F2. Windows 7 displays a text box around the file name and selects the part of the name to the left of the (.). Press the right arrow key to collapse the selection and move the cursor into the extension. Note that Windows 7 will ask you to confirm the extension change.

NOTE:  This same feature is available in Vista and works the same way.