Many of the people even don’t have the basic understanding about file names and filename extensions. People have many doubts and questions about file names and their extensions, so here is a guide that explains the same in an easy-to-understand manner.
What is a filename extension?
A filename extension includes four or more character to make it easy for the Windows to identify what information a file have and which software will be apt to open it. The type of file appears at the end of the file name following a period of time at which it was created is known as extension. For example, if a file has a name myfile.txt, .txt is the file extension which tells Windows that it is a text file that could be opened using those programs which are connected with that extension, like Word Pad or Notepad.
How can you see filename extensions in the file name?
To make file names more straightforward to see, Windows hides filename extensions and it is the by default feature of Windows. However, if you want, you can make extensions visible.
How to reveal or hide filename extensions?
Follow the steps given below to see file name extensions in Windows Explorer:
For Windows Vista, Windows 7, and Windows Server 2008
• Start Windows Explorer (do this by opening up any folder).
• Click on the option Organize.
• Now click Folder and search options.
• Click on the View tab, scroll down until you see the option Hide extensions for known file types, un-check this options by clicking the check box.
• Now click on OK.
For Windows 2000, Windows XP, and Windows Server 2003
• Start Windows Explorer (do this by opening up any folder).
• Click on then Tools, and then Folder Options.
• Scroll down and click Folder and search options.
• Click on the View tab, scroll down until you see the option Hide extensions for known file types, un-check this options by clicking the check box.
• Now click on OK.
How to change a filename extension?
Often, filename extensions may not be changed as you may not be allowed to open or edit. However, altering the filename extension may be very useful when you have to alter a text file (.txt) to an HTML file (.htm) to make sure that you can see it in a browser.
Make sure that filename extensions are observable before going for altering a filename extension. If the file name extension is observable, right-click on the file you need to change and select the option Rename.
Delete the existing filename extension, type the new one, and then press ENTER key on your keyboard.
While altering the filename extension, Windows will warn you that changing the filename extension may cause file to stop functioning correctly. If you are sure that you have typed the right extension and it will make the use of right software, click on the Yes option to confirm the change.
