Home : Tutorials : Microsoft Windows Vista : Show hidden files and folders/Unhide file extensions.

Show Hidden Files & Folders/Unhide File Extensions

For some reason Microsoft chooses to hide the part of the filename that determines what program(s) can handle that file.  By default most files like .PDF, .DOC, .WAV, .MP3 and every other extension that has a default association to a program will have the extension hidden.  You won't see .XLS if you have Microsoft Excel installed or .MP3 if you have Winamp installed & so on.  Also, by default, Microsoft chooses to hide folders that contain data you need to find & backup. This document will help you fix all that.

 

1) Single left-click on the Start button.

2) Single left-click on Computer on the right side of the menu that pops up.

3) Single left-click on Tools from the menu.

4) Single left-click on Folder Options...

5) Single left-click on the View tab.

6) Single left-click the circle next to Show hidden files and folders.

7) Uncheck Hide extensions for known file types.

8) Single left-click OK to exit Folder Options or Apply to make the changes without exiting this screen .