File Name Extension

INFO: A file name extension is a set of characters added to the end of a file name that identifies the file type or format which determines what program should open it. This will show you how to Hide or Show and Change file extensions in Vista.

RELATED LINKS:
1. How to Open and Change Folder Options in Vista

2. How to Associate a Individual File Extension Type With a Program in Vista

3. How to Unassociate a File Extension Type in Vista

4. How to Fix Cannot Rename and or Create a New Folder in Vista

5. How to Set and Unset the Read-only File and Folder Attribute in Vista

6. How to Copy the Full Path of a File or Folder in Vista


STEP ONE:
How to Show or Hide File Name Extensions :
1. Open Folder Options.
NOTE: See: How to Open and Change Folder Options in Vista

2. To Show File Name Extensions -
A) Uncheck Hide extensions for known file types. (See screenshot below)
B) Go to step 4.

3. To Hide File Name Extensions -
A) Check Hide extensions for known file types.

4. Click OK.

Hide_Extensions.jpg


STEP TWO:
How to Change a File Name Extension :
1. Make sure you have it set to show file name extensions. (Step 2 above)
2. Right click on the file and click Rename. (See screenshot below)

Rename1.jpg

3. Press the right arrow key once. (See screenshot below)

Right_Arrow_Key.jpg

4. Press the Delete key until the file name extension is deleted. (See screenshow below)

Delete_Key.jpg

5. Type in the new file name extension you want to use and press Enter. (See screenshot below)
NOTE: I used the BAT extension as example for batch files.

Change.jpg

6. Click Yes to change the file name extension. (See screenshot below)

Confirmation.jpg

7. Notice that the icon has changed to match the file name extension. (See screenshot below)

Renamed.jpg


That's it,
Shawn