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How do I display extensions for all files in Windows XP?

I saw your article a few days ago about how to selectively enable filename extensions in WinXP, [see: Selectively enable filename extensions in WinXP] which is helpful, but the more I look at my Windows system, the more I think I'd rather just be able to see ALL my file extensions. How can I make that change in Windows XP, Dave?


Dave's Answer:

It's actually quite similar to how you enable individual extensions, but actually a bit easier yet. Here are the steps involved:

Start out by opening up any old folder on your system, and choosing Tools --> Options, or going to START --> Settings --> Control Panel --> Folder Options. Either way, you'll end up at the General folder display preferences for Windows XP:

Microsoft Windows XP: Folder display: General options

Instead of clicking on the "File Types" tab like we did earlier, however, click on "View", and here's what you'll see:

Microsoft Windows XP: Hide file type extensions

As you can see by the highlighted cursor, it's the last option here you want to uncheck: "Hide extensions for known file types". Click that, click "OK" and *poof* your system will be displaying filename suffixes for every file type, known or unknown.

Now your folders will look like this:

Microsoft Windows XP: filename suffix or extension shown

Or, if you have it in "Details" view, perhaps like this:

Microsoft Windows XP: Show file suffix or extension in detail view

Hope that helps you tweak WinXP to work exactly as you desire!


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Categorized: Windows PC Help   (Article 7122, Written by )
Tagged: hide extensions, microsoft windows xp, show extensions, winxp
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Reader Comments To Date: 1

Doug said, on May 7, 2009 3:44 PM:

The instructions work for most, but not all suffixes.

How do I get Windows Explorer to display the .url suffix?

Starbucks coffee cup I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!











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