The file extensions. What are they for and how to see hidden extensions

Different formats and their extensions

LThe files we have on our computer can be shown on the screen in two ways, for example, if you have a ZIP file called "file32" you may see it on your computer as "file32" or perhaps as "file32.zip" or "file32.rar". If you only see the part of the name "file32" your computer keeps the hidden extensions, as it normally happens by default in Windows XP (I don't know how they will come in Vista), now, if you see the file with the ending ".zip" or ".rar" (it can also be many others like ".arc" or " .exe », for example) then your computer allows you to see the file extensions.

ANow you can know if the file extensions are shown or hidden on your computer simply by doing the previous test, but what are extensions and what are they for?

What are file extensions?

In colloquial language we could say that a file extension is a word normally, not always, made up of three letters and that it is separated from the file name by a period. Some examples of extensions are: .zip, .pps, .exe, .pdf, .jpg, .avi, .3gp, .pando, .png, .bmp, .mov, .html, etc.

What are they for?

Operating systems such as Windows use extensions to recognize the file format. That is, if you see a file called "uncompressed.rar" you know that it is a ZIP file because, although its name says otherwise, it has the extension ".rar" that corresponds to one of the types of extension used by compressed files.

AAlthough the extensions are not visible, the operating system will read them since they are still attached to the file even if you don't see them. In this way the computer will allow you to do some tasks or others with that file depending on its extension.

PYou may wonder why do I want to see the file extension if the computer already knows how to handle them even though I don't see them? Well, for several reasons:

First because that way you will have more control over the files on your computer and improve the fullfilment of security requirements in it.

If, for example, you download an image from the Internet called «foto.jpg.exe» and you have the extensions hidden, you will only see «foto.jpg» because precisely in this case the extension is «.exe» which corresponds to an executable file. Do not mess, remember that the extension goes to the end of the file. If the file were called «fotografia.jpg» it would be an image with a «.jpg» extension, but since the file is called «fotografia.jpg.exe» the extension is «.exe» and therefore it is a program that someone wanted to hide behind the appearance of a photograph.

Virus hidden in a photo

This would possibly mean that the program in question is a virus and they have wanted to sneak it in. In any case, even if you have the extensions hidden, the operating system would recognize that it is an executable file and therefore it would present it on the screen as the icon of a program and not with that of an image. But if you are not attentive and do not realize that detail, you may install the virus thinking that you are opening an image.

Second because if you follow any of the tutorials that you can find here in VinagreAssino.com you will see that I usually refer to files with their name and extension. This way it is easier follow the manuals and it is also good that you get used, if you are not already, to have more control over what you do with your computer.

SIf you cannot see the extensions of the files (or files) on your computer and you want to see them, this is what you have to do to make them appear on the screen.

1º) We need to open any windows explorer window. A quick way to do it by double clicking on "My Computer". In the following image you can see the three locations where you can find the "My Computer" icon. In the Start menu, on the desktop, or in the Quick Launch on the taskbar.

My Computer Icon Location

2º) When the window called "My Computer" opens, click at the top of the window where it says "Tools". And then in the drop-down menu that opens, click on "Folder Options ..." which is at the bottom of that menu.

My Computer Window

3º) The "Folder Options" window will open, containing three tabs. Click on the "View" tab and then scroll with the sidebar down (see the image) through the area called "Advanced settings" until you see the option "Hide file extensions for known file types" that will be marked. What you have to do is uncheck that box so you can see the hidden extensions. When you have done it, click on the "Apply to all folders" button that is at the top in the area called "Folder views". In this way we will make the extensions of all files visible in all folders. In the image below, everything is indicated to serve as a reference.

Show hidden files

Next, a window called "Folder views" will open in which the operating system asks if you want to configure all the folders on the computer to match the settings you have applied. Click on "Yes" and continue.

4º) Then click on the "Apply" button in the lower right corner of the "Folder Options" window so that the changes made are saved.

Apply hidden file changes

Finally, click on "OK" to close the window.

Accept changes to hidden files

ANow the file extensions are visible and you will be able to have more control over them. Finally, read this couple of recommendations to avoid problems:

  • Now when you change the name of any file you have to pay attention to don't change the extension to carry the file. The operating system will warn you if you try to do it, but if you do it by mistake, nothing happens, rename it by putting the corresponding extension at the end.
  • Don't think you can switch from one format to another just by changing the file extension. If you have a video called "video.avi", don't think that by renaming it "video.wmv" you have already converted it to the Windows Media Video (wmv) format. The file will continue to be a video in "AVI" format and the only thing you will achieve is that the operating system will not open it with the corresponding application and therefore you will not be able to view it.

BWell that's all in relation to extensions and why it is useful that we can see them and not keep them hidden. In another article we will see which are the most common extensions (zip, avi, bmp, ...), what formats they represent (compressed, video, image, ...) and what program we need to use each one. Until then vinegary greetings.


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  1.   rzapatav said

    Do you know some trick to rename files with the hidden extension by changing the extension as well. I seem to have read it somewhere that it had to be enclosed in quotation marks. I'll keep looking.

  2.   Killer Vinegar said

    And why do you want to change the extensions too?

  3.   ANA LUISA said

    I want to learn new things

  4.   Miguel said

    I followed all the steps and the files are not visible ... they are images
    What I can do? and i need them

  5.   Killer Vinegar said

    Well, no idea Miguel, in theory you should see them.

  6.   emi22 said

    I did the steps you asked me for killer vinegar ...

    and now I'm going to install it if I succeed, I'll write to you and if not, we'll see you Kuidense ...

  7.   jose said

    hello vinegar my problem is the following send to format my pc and I have installed several programs but when downloading windows live messenger it does not run the program the message is not a valid win32 application if you guide me a bit
    thanks in advance

  8.   Vinegar said

    The first thing is that you look at the extension you have, will you know how not? Then if you do not see anything strange, it has to be .exe or a compressed .rar or .zip (usually), you may have downloaded the program for another operating system (it is very rare but perhaps). Try to download it and if everything goes well, an antivirus will pass in case the previous thing was not to be trusted. A greeting.

  9.   Edith said

    Hi, look, I want to know how I delete files, folders or any extension that damages or slows down my pc and how I find it.
    extensions that do not work for my pc.
    thanks for everything.

  10.   ultragon said

    Thank you, fancy, thank you mercenary!

  11.   maribel said

    I SENT SOME AUTOCAD FILES (DWG EXTENSION), BUT APART FROM THIS EXTENSION THEY BRING THE VEM EXTENSION… .HOW CAN I OPEN THEM?

  12.   DoeRpA said

    thanks for your help

  13.   LUIS MIGUEL said

    IT IS IMPORTANT TO HAVE THE HIDDEN EXTENTIONS

  14.   hernan said

    proteus ares I can't install on my cpu when I finish installing this program I get an ad that says that the license.exe file is missing, how can I fix it, what can I do?

  15.   Agata said

    Thanks friend, you saved my life, I received many files and I could no longer see the extensions, I was moving certain things and I screwed up like someone who says really saved me, thanks again

  16.   JAIME said

    HOW DO I SEE THE FILES WITH SQM EXTENSION AND I HAVE SOME FILES THAT I CANNOT SEE THEIR EXTENSION I DON'T KNOW WHETHER TO DELETE THEM

  17.   rubentdf said

    As always excellent, thank you

  18.   Magda said

    Hello…
    please help me
    I can't have some videos on my pc that they sent me with .3gp extension
    what I need to do?????????

  19.   JAVIER said

    VERY GOOD the article, I am looking for information on the best audio and video extensions to publish on web pages, I appreciate your guidance… .grcs

  20.   m87 said

    Hello, you see, I am using antivirus and anti rootkits because my computer is infected and on other websites they recommend not hiding the files and extensions to find them and I have already done so.

    But what is my surprise when in every corner and folder I find HUNDREDS of hidden files whose icon appears less clear, and it surprises me because many are things that I have deleted months ago.

    My question is can I re-delete these files or will something happen?

    A greeting.

  21.   kaiser said

    thank you you saved me

  22.   KIKE said

    How can I see emails with WMV and AVI extensions.

    Thank you.

  23.   ken said

    Hello greetings my problem is that I wanted to add microsoft office that I downloaded it damaged and they told me that it would add it to the exe extension and I did it but nothing that opened and now that has caused the problem that now no exe file m opens any icon and does not the programs are executed I hope your help thanks….

  24.   Angelica said

    killer vinegar…. thanks for your information ... the truth is they are excellent ... but you know ... I want to send an image in my email and I can't ... what do I do
    thanksssssssssssssssssssssssss Angelica

  25.   Nicol said

    THAT GOOD THEY KILLED ME OF IMPRESSION
    THE SITE IS GOOD BUT IT IS MISSING INFORMATION
    XAU
    XD XD XD XD

  26.   juan camilo said

    hi thanks for that but it lacks the most known extensions

  27.   Ritsuka said

    Thank you! The information was very useful, I entered xk m it fell wrong k everything had the extension at the end, I already deactivated it xD

  28.   world said

    I have a cd with photos that I cannot view on anything other than the pc, the extensions of the photos are .oca, is there a viewer or converter that allows me to record them to watch them on tv

  29.   MONICA said

    I HAVE A JPG IMAGE AND I NEED IT IN A FORMAT FOR A PRINT IN A MAGAZINE AND THEY ASK ME FOR THE ORIGINAL, WHICH I DO NOT JUST HAVE AS AN IMAGE THAT I HAVE TO MAKE SO THAT MY IMAGE CAN BE PRINTED IN THE MAGAZINE, I HAVE CONVERTED IT IN PDF FILE WITH ADOBE BUT I DON'T KNOW IF IT IS ENOUGH CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE

  30.   Cream said

    I would like to know what is a text and image extension
    please is urgent

  31.   loneliness said

    Daddy is strong I love him !!!!!!!!!

  32.   SOFIA said

    UUUUUUUUU

  33.   SOFIA said

    QUICKLY I NEED THE PHOTO AND IMAGE FILE EXTENCONS !!!!!! CAN KIEN HELP ME ???????

  34.   SOFIA said

    AND VIDEO !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! : l
    🙁

  35.   Arthur said

    I cannot see video files with an .exe extension in WMP 11. What do you recommend?

  36.   Gil said

    Vinegar.
    It is the first time that I consult your page, and regarding how to see the file extensions it was very useful
    Thank you
    Gil.

  37.   waldo said

    please i need help i need to change a file from zip to jpg format
    because nobody publishes this and because it seems prohibited I do not understand
    Thank you

  38.   enzo said

    Thank you, it helped me a lot. Better explained impossible to find.

  39.   Silvi said

    hello look my problem is that I have a file with a db extension and it does not open with any of the programs I have, how can I do it? should I download a controller? thanks in advance for your help.

  40.   ENRIQUE said

    I frequently receive from my friends, emails with files with .wmv extension
    How can I know if I can open them calmly, because they have scared me with the virus? I have Avira, AVG and Avast antivirus

  41.   Pink floyd said

    da

  42.   mism said

    Hello Killer Vinegar,

    My question is this; I have a program to install .exe, I downloaded it but I can't run it on my computer and it doesn't even recognize it as it is, in the form of a winrar auto-executable file, however the rest of the programs to install do. Also, this same program, I can see it, load it and run it without problems on other computers.

    ?

  43.   christopher said

    What is the photo, audio and video extension?
    Thank you

  44.   Elizabeth said

    I NEED HELP, to hide file content I deleted their extension and they were recognized only as files, now I don't remember the extension they had, how do I find out the original extension of my files?

  45.   Wendo! said

    Super GOOD the information helped me a lot thank you very much 😉

  46.   daxe said

    help my pc lost the .exe and I can't open any exe program help me porvafor

  47.   ernesto said

    Hello, very good everything you explain I ask you if I download a video or a movie from ares, while you are downloading I want to see how little you have downloaded with the ares player itself to see if that is the movie or video that I was looking for Is there a risk that a virus will catch me?

  48.   Marie said

    Thank you very much, I mean you really helped me a lot. I was already super frustrated because I did not know how to change the extension of the files and so on. Thank you!(:

  49.   Daniela said

    I want to know how I can send an email and that whoever receives it opens it automatically. Thank you

  50.   JorgeHdz said

    I NEED HELP, URGENTLY!
    I need someone to help me, I have several iso images that I create with video_ts folders, but I downloaded some movies in m2ts format and I read that I could change the format going into folder options, view tab and remove the checkbox to hide file extension or something well, and well I burn movies but now my films that are ISO do not want to grab my DVD and I put the popcorn again in that of the extensions and it remains the same, someone who can help me would be of great help.

  51.   Adriana said

    Hi there!! I installed ares and and used it, I turned off my computer and when I turned it on again I wanted to use Ares and it tells me that it does not recognize the exe files. I do not know how to solve it, could you help me with a simple explanation ?, that is, not so technical, that I can understand you better, Thank you very much in advance, A hug

  52.   Tabata said

    I don't understandoooooooooooooooooo ...

  53.   José said

    Good morning! When I format my memory card on my phone and connect it to the pc to enter data, it tells me that it has an exe extension and my phone does not read it to me, why does this happen? And in what extension should it be for my phone to read it? Thank you!!!

  54.   nicola said

    Hello friend, how are you doing? I have a problem that I can not capture images from a file of a bd25 movie or with the fraps or with any other that I know, can you help me thanks

  55.   Lourdes said

    Hi all. I have a problem, I got a file with a jpf extension and I don't know with which program or application to open it, can you tell me which application it corresponds to, thanks in advance

  56.   vassesa said

    I found this horrible all this is useless

  57.   luisa said

    I support vanesa this is disgusting