How to set Windows so it shows you file extensions

This is a useful ability when you are manipulating files in Windows. You will be able to see if the file is .txt or .cpp or .exe.

In Windows XP

• open a Windows Explorer window on your machine, like "My Documents"
• On the top bar should be an option "Tools"
• Under that will be a set of menus - choose the tab that says "View"
• About halfway down that set of choices there will be a checkbox "Hide Extensions for known file types". It is probably checked.
• Uncheck this box!
• Choose "Apply this to all Folders".
• Click OK.

In Windows Vista and Windows 7

• open a Windows Explorer window on your machine, like "My Documents".
• On the top bar should be an option "Organize".
• Under that will be a menu - choose "Folder and Search Options".
• There will be three tabs, "General", "View", "Search". Choose "View".
• About halfway down that set of choices there will be a checkbox "Hide Extensions for known file types". It is probably checked.
• Uncheck this box!
• Choose "Apply to Folders".