One of the options in Windows Explorer is the ability to hide file extensions on known file types (for example, “My Word Document” instead of “My Word Document.doc”). While this makes the file listing look prettier, it can open the door to inadvertently running spyware or viruses on your machine.
For example, if you were to download and save a file, by mistake, which was called “My Word Document.doc.exe” and had the file extensions set to hide, you may think this is a Word Document at first glance. The icon would be different, but you might realize this after you have already run the program. By disabling the function to hide file extensions, you will always see the full file name.
Here is how to do it:
- Open My Computer.
- Select Tools > Folder Options from the top menu.
- Go to the View tab.
- Make sure the option for ”Hide file extensions for known file types” is unchecked.
This adds another safety measure to prevent you from accidentally running a malicious file.
Like what you read?
If so, please join over 28,000 people who receive our exclusive weekly newsletter and computer tips, and get FREE COPIES of 5 eBooks we created, as our gift to you for subscribing. Just enter your name and email below:
To do the same in Vista, it’s Computer, Organize, Folder and Search Options, View tab.
Hi,
I always have this view on, but I have seen people not used to this view unwittingly change the extention.