File extensions in XP - Tilted Forum Project Discussion Community

djflish · 01-02-2008, 01:47 PM

I have Windows XP and when I try and rename a file, it won't accept it unless I put in the file extension. For example, if I want to change the name of a file from 'picture' to 'pic', I have to put .jpg as well or the file is unreadable. It's the same with all files, it never used to be like this.
Does anybody know how this could have happened and how I can change it back?

Jinn · 01-02-2008, 01:57 PM

There's a feature in Windows which I never understood why it was ON by default. It appears that you're the use-case for such a setting.

In Explorer ("My Computer"), select Tools > Folder Options, select the View tab and check the box for "Hide extensions for known file types."

This is the first thing I turn off on my machines, as I like to know what the extension for a given file is. Alas, if you're intent on renaming a file without providing the full extension, this is your solution.

And apparently the choice most users desire, as dictated by Microsoft's defaulting.

Daemon1313 · 01-02-2008, 01:59 PM

If you select hide extension from the folder options, XP will maintain the same extension when renaming a file.

To check it go to windows explorer->tools->folder options->view. Look for "Hide extension for known file types".

Jinn · 01-02-2008, 03:52 PM

HAH, SUCKER! I beat you by two minutes.

Racnad · 01-02-2008, 08:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JinnKai

In Explorer ("My Computer"), select Tools > Folder Options, select the View tab and check the box for "Hide extensions for known file types."

This is true even for the Administrator user on Microsoft Server OS's, which surprises me because ITs pros want to see all file extensions, as well as all system and hidden files.

djflish · 01-03-2008, 11:29 AM

Thanks a lot, I've been sorting out all my mp3's and it was a pain in the arse writing .mp3 every bloody time!

01-02-2008, 01:47 PM	#1 (permalink)
djflish The Mighty Boosh Location: I mostly come out at night, mostly...	File extensions in XP I have Windows XP and when I try and rename a file, it won't accept it unless I put in the file extension. For example, if I want to change the name of a file from 'picture' to 'pic', I have to put .jpg as well or the file is unreadable. It's the same with all files, it never used to be like this. Does anybody know how this could have happened and how I can change it back? __________________ Europes two great narcotics, Alcohol and Christianity. I know which one I prefer.

01-02-2008, 01:57 PM	#2 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	There's a feature in Windows which I never understood why it was ON by default. It appears that you're the use-case for such a setting. In Explorer ("My Computer"), select Tools > Folder Options, select the View tab and check the box for "Hide extensions for known file types." This is the first thing I turn off on my machines, as I like to know what the extension for a given file is. Alas, if you're intent on renaming a file without providing the full extension, this is your solution. And apparently the choice most users desire, as dictated by Microsoft's defaulting. __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

01-02-2008, 01:59 PM	#3 (permalink)
Daemon1313 Crazy Location: Atlanta	If you select hide extension from the folder options, XP will maintain the same extension when renaming a file. To check it go to windows explorer->tools->folder options->view. Look for "Hide extension for known file types". __________________ A clear conscience is usually the sign of a bad memory.

01-02-2008, 03:52 PM	#4 (permalink)
Jinn Lover - Protector - Teacher Location: Seattle, WA	HAH, SUCKER! I beat you by two minutes. __________________ "I'm typing on a computer of science, which is being sent by science wires to a little science server where you can access it. I'm not typing on a computer of philosophy or religion or whatever other thing you think can be used to understand the universe because they're a poor substitute in the role of understanding the universe which exists independent from ourselves." - Willravel

01-03-2008, 11:29 AM	#6 (permalink)
djflish The Mighty Boosh Location: I mostly come out at night, mostly...	Thanks a lot, I've been sorting out all my mp3's and it was a pain in the arse writing .mp3 every bloody time! __________________ Europes two great narcotics, Alcohol and Christianity. I know which one I prefer.