File Extensions and Hidden Files and Folders in XP
A question that I would get quite often at the service counter from customers still making the transition from Windows 98 to XP was, "Why can’t I see any of my files extensions? I can’t find them if I can’t tell what they are." Well, the answer to this of course is that by default XP hides extensions for known file types. Why? Who knows, but apparently Microsoft thought that it was a good idea.
This is a simple issue to solve, but it throws a lot of "basic users" because they are just not accustomed to having to think about making certain configuration adjustments. Nor really should they be. But here is what you need to do if you want to see all of the file extensions while looking through My Computer. With My Computer open, click on "Tools" in the menu bar. From the menu that drops down, click on "Folder Options." Now click on the "View" tab. In the View tab you will find "Advanced settings." Under the very first heading, "Files and Folders," count down to the eighth box which says "Hide extensions for known file types." Remove the green check mark from that box and presto, My Computer will now display your file extensions in the manner you are accustomed to.
Now… while you are here, another adjustment you may wish to make is to your "Hidden files and folders." Just above the "Hide extensions for known file types" box is a set of Radio Buttons that controls that. Click on the "Show hidden files and folders" button and they will now show up in My Computer. They will appear transparent, to indicate that they are hidden files. The only files and folders that still remain totally hidden now will be "Protected Operating Systems Files." I would recommend that you keep these files hidden. But you do need to know how to see even these files sometimes to perform certain repairs and quick fixes to your unit. In order to make that adjustment, simply uncheck the "Hide protected operating system files" box you will find directly below "Hide extensions for known file types."
This is a simple issue to solve, but it throws a lot of "basic users" because they are just not accustomed to having to think about making certain configuration adjustments. Nor really should they be. But here is what you need to do if you want to see all of the file extensions while looking through My Computer. With My Computer open, click on "Tools" in the menu bar. From the menu that drops down, click on "Folder Options." Now click on the "View" tab. In the View tab you will find "Advanced settings." Under the very first heading, "Files and Folders," count down to the eighth box which says "Hide extensions for known file types." Remove the green check mark from that box and presto, My Computer will now display your file extensions in the manner you are accustomed to.
Now… while you are here, another adjustment you may wish to make is to your "Hidden files and folders." Just above the "Hide extensions for known file types" box is a set of Radio Buttons that controls that. Click on the "Show hidden files and folders" button and they will now show up in My Computer. They will appear transparent, to indicate that they are hidden files. The only files and folders that still remain totally hidden now will be "Protected Operating Systems Files." I would recommend that you keep these files hidden. But you do need to know how to see even these files sometimes to perform certain repairs and quick fixes to your unit. In order to make that adjustment, simply uncheck the "Hide protected operating system files" box you will find directly below "Hide extensions for known file types."
nice work
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I like the Computer-Magnon logo. It reminds me of the state I am in. The articles are well written, understandable and informational, addressing the level of understanding and expertise of the person who looks at them. I would like to know what you mean the problem is that Windows Xp does not show the detail of the file identification leading to the user not knowing what file they are addressing? One thing I do know is that by hiding half of the description of various files when I bring up the documents folder on, I'd better know what file I am dealing with. Is that what you mean?
I wish you wholeheartedly a great success with this new endeavor.
God Bless,
Nick
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Ok… the issue which prompts your question, "I would like to know what you mean the problem is that Windows XP does not show the detail of the file identification…?" is in regards to XP by default not displaying "file extensions," not "file details."
File extensions, are an extra set of characters (usually 3 alpha characters), appended to the end of a filename by the application which created it, which allows both users and various other software to quickly determine the type of data stored in that file. Examples are xxx.jpg, xxx.doc, xxx.rtf, xxx.com, where xxx is the file name.
File details, are various forms of information appended to a file by the Operating System, such as generic file type, size, date modified or dimensions.
The problem being addressed, is that many individuals migrating to the use of XP from earlier versions of windows, were accustomed to "Windows Explorer" by default showing file extensions which they came to relay on to identify and locate their files. This is also a major issue for individuals accustomed to using none GUI Operating systems where file extensions are the only means of identifying a file. The "My Computer" function of XP hides file extensions by default, relying instead on icons for visual file identification.
Nuff Said?
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