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DISABLE HIDE FILE EXTENSIONS

UPDATED: 16th SEPTEMBER 2008

When you look at a file name in Windows Explorer you may have noticed that it is not very informative as to what type of file it actually is; in other words, just by looking at it, you don't know whether it is an .ini; .jpg; .exe; .docx or some other type of file. The file extensions are, by default, simply not shown. The instructions below will show you how to disable this option and get the files to show its hidden file extensions.

» Windows Vista

1. Open Windows Explorer.
2. From the Windows Explorer main toolbar, click on Organize.
3. From the Drop Down Menu click Folder and Search Options.
4. Once the Folder Options window opens, click on the View tab.
5. In the Advanced Settings section of the Folder Options window look for a section marked 'Hidden Files and Folders'.
   (This should be easy to locate because it has a yellow folder to highlight it.)
6. Including the hidden files and folders line, count down Four (4) lines.
7. You should now see an option marked Hide Extensions For Known File Types.
8. To the left of this option you will see a box with a check mark (tick) inside it.
9. Position you Mouse pointer over the box and then Left Click.
   The check mark (tick) will now be removed.
10. Finally click OK.
11. Now when you look at file names the relevant extension will be visible.

» Windows XP

1. Double click on My Computer, on your desktop.
2. Select Tools from the top menu.
3. Select Folder Options.
4. Click on the View tab.
5. Scroll down until you see "Hide extensions for known file types".
6. Uncheck the box next to this option.
7. Click on Apply, and close the window.