How to rename a file's extension
 
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Posted 12/20/2005 2:21 PM
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Hi everyone!

How can I rename a file's extension in Windows Explorer when the extension is hidden? I don't want to have to go an unhide file extensions just to rename one file. Is there some sort of trick or possibly an add-on (that would place a command on the context menu) that will allow me to rename a file's extension?

I'm running Windows 2000 Pro, but I'm also interested in a solution for Windows XP Pro.

Thanks!
Post #184999
Posted 12/20/2005 11:42 PM


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I just right-click the filename and add the extension as desired.

A warning: if you change a files' extension it may never open in programs you have installed.


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Post #185060
Posted 12/21/2005 7:46 AM
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I don't think that actually works in changing a files extension.

Here's an example of what I'm trying to do...

I have a file called test.txt, the extension is hidden, Explorer only displays test in the file name column. If I right-click on test and select rename from the context menu and I type test.isql, the file gets renamed to test.isql.txt. Remember that as of Windows 95, having a dot in the filename is allowed.
Post #185102
Posted 12/21/2005 8:59 AM


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Your requirement of not changing the Folder Options suggests the only solution may be to open a Command Prompt window, navigate to the folder containing the file and use the DOS Command of ren test.txt test.isql. My Windows Explorer is set up so I can right-click any folder and open a Command Prompt window there.

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Post #185110
Posted 12/21/2005 9:10 AM
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That's what I'm presently doing, but I was hoping that some sort of tweak exists that would allow me to do this in Explorer, or perhaps a third party add-on that allows this.
Post #185113
Posted 2/23/2006 4:29 PM
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Windows Explorer will let you rename the file extension of a file as long as the file extension is not hidden.  You can unhide the file extensions by clicking on Tools, Folder Options and View and then uncheck the "Hide file extensions for known file types".  Then when you rename the file name, you can also type the .extension and it will ask you if you want to change the file extension.  Hope that helps.

John

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Posted 3/28/2006 4:24 PM
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I know that if you open your file in a Hex editor you can change the extension as you want by saving it with the good one.
Post #194910
Posted 3/29/2006 8:13 AM
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JohnKing67 (2/23/2006)
Windows Explorer will let you rename the file extension of a file as long asthe file extension isnot hidden. You can unhide the file extensions by clicking on Tools, Folder Options and View and then uncheck the "Hide file extensions for known file types". Then when you rename the file name, you can also type the .extension and it will ask you if you want to change the file extension. Hope that helps.

John


Yes, but my question is, how can I rename a file's extension without doing all that.
Post #194974
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