Show file types in Windows Vista and 7

Windows XP used to show you the file extensions. The newer versions don't. There was probably a person at Microsoft that said, "Ew, these extensions... they don't look good on our superb (resource hogging) interface."

Here's how to enable them again.

• Open Windows Explorer from anywhere, like by pressing the Windows Key + E to open 'Computer'. 
• Now, press Alt to display the menu bar.
• Click Tools and select Folder Options... (which is the last one in the menu).
• Here, click the View tab. In the list of options, find the option 'Hide extensions for known file types'.
• You know what: uncheck that!

Now, after you apply the settings, the file types will be visible. You may need this to identify malicious software. Microsoft, understand this.

Want more tips and tricks? See how to enable the checkboxes in iTunes 10, or check software and even hardware compatibility with your Windows Vista or Windows 7 PC. Be sure to see other posts in the archive.

Show file types in Windows Vista and 7