Fixing File Extensions
by Dick Evans

The default settings when viewing files and folders in Windows Explorer hides the extensions for known file type, does not allow you to see hidden files or folders, and only shows the file name in the address and title bar. So when you save a file in Word 2007 calling it MyFile, it shows in Explorer as MyFile instead of MyFile.docx. Looking at a list of files you have to depend on the icon to know what the application is. In detail view you do not even get to see an icon.

The  following explains how to set the folder options to always display the extension, and more.

1. Open the Control Panel:

    Start > Control Panel > Appearance and Themes > Folder Options > View

2. Under Files and Folders, check Display the full path in the address bar

3. Under Files and Folders, check Display the full path in the title bar

4. Under Hidden File and Folder, select Show hidden files and folders

5. Under Files and Files and Folders, uncheck Hide extensions for known file types

6. Click OK

7. Close the Control Panel