Make Filename Extensions Visible

The default settings for some versions of MS Windows hide the filename extensions. Because they are hidden it is difficult to change these extensions.

This procedure reflects the process for making filename extensions visible in Windows XP. Other versions of Windows may not work exactly the same way but they do have this capability.

To make filename extensions visible, do the following steps:

1. Open the File menu for the folder.

2. Choose Folder Options.

   The Folder Options dialog box appears.

3. Select the View tab and scroll to find the Hide Extensions for Known File Types check box.

4. Click on the box to remove the check mark.

5. Click OK.

   The filename extensions now appear in the folder.

 Warning

Changing the filename extension of a file tells windows that the file is of a different type. As a result, Windows may try to use the wrong application with the file with unpredictable results. Do not attempt to change file extension types unless you know that the two file types are compatible. For example, an Adapt It "BAK.XML" file is in the same format as an Adapt It "XML" file. Thus, you can remove the filename extension BAK and Adapt It will properly handle the new file.

Related Topics

Rename the current backup file to become a knowledge base file