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How to Unhide File Extensions for Known File Types in Windows

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[Introduction] [Unhiding File Extensions] [Related Information]

Introduction

You copy of Windows® may be hiding the file extensions for some types of files. This may cause a problem when you are looking for a file that shares the same prefix with other files. For example, you are using Windows Explorer to look for the PCAWIN.PBK file in the PCAWIN directory. Some of the files in the PCAWIN directory share the PCAWIN prefix. If Windows is hiding the file extensions, Windows Explorer displays a list of files similar to:

PCAWIN
PCAWIN
PCAWIN

Without the file extension, you cannot easily tell which of the PCAWIN files is PCAWIN.PBK. If Windows is not hiding the file extensions, Windows Explorer displays a list of files similar to:

PCAWIN.AGT
PCAWIN.EXE
PCAWIN.PBK

When Windows displays the files extensions, you can easily find the PCAWIN.PBK file.

If your copy of Windows is hiding the files extensions, see: Unhiding File Extensions.

Unhiding File Extensions

Open Windows Explorer.
- Windows 95/98 Users: click Start | Programs | Windows Explorer
- Windows NT 4.0 Users: click Start | Programs | NT Explorer
- Windows ME Users: click Start | Programs | Accessories | Windows Explorer
- Windows 2000 Users: click Start | Programs | Accessories | Windows Explorer
- Windows XP Users: click Start | All Programs or Programs | Accessories | Windows Explorer
Follow the instructions for your version of Windows:
Windows 98/98SE Users
- In Windows Explorer click View | Folder Options.
- On the Folder Options window, click the View tab. In the Advanced Settings group uncheck:
  [ ] Hide extensions for known file types
- Click Apply | OK. Close Windows Explorer.
Windows Me, Windows 2000, or Windows XP Users
- In Windows Explorer click Tools | Folder Options.
- On the Folder Options window, click the View tab. In the Advanced Settings group uncheck:
  [ ] Hide extensions for known file types
- Click Apply | OK. Close Windows Explorer.

Related Information