It is very important to show file extensions in Windows for security reasons because users can be tricked into clicking on a .exe file and install a virus or some other kind of malicious software on the computer.
Here’s an example of what can happen if the file extensions were hidden. Let’s say you downloaded a file from somewhere and the file name was hotgirls.jpg, so you click on the file to view the image but the file was really hotgirls.jpg.exe and now you have a virus on your PC because the file extensions were hidden.
Here’s how to show file extension in Windows 2000, ME, and XP
- Go to Start > Settings > Control Panel
- Go into the “Folder Options” and select “View” tab
- Click on “Show hidden files and folders” to check it
- Now uncheck “Hide file extensions for known file types”
- When finished click “OK”
Show file extensions in Vista
- Open a folder such as “Documents” or “Computer”
- Click on the “Layout” button on the left side next to the View button
- Select the “Folder Options” and then the “View” tab
- Now uncheck “Hide file extensions for known file types”
- Hit “OK”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Try with is XP sp2 with a .mat file. Does not work. the extension is still hidden, and the association cannot be changed.
This might be helpful http://area.autodesk.com/index.php/forums/viewthread/1274/ (the last one)
Actually found that one harder than the ones Richard put up. ,
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