Configuring Windows to display filename extensions and hidden folders

By default, Windows does not show filename extensions, or hidden folders, when it displays files. You will need to know what extensions files have, when, for example, you want to configure Sophos Anti Virus to exclude certain file types from scanning. You may also need to access hidden folders to do this.

The extension indicates what type of file it is. For example <filename>.txt is a text file and <filename>.exe is an executable file (i.e. one that runs a program).

What to do

NOTE: To show system files:

1. Open 'My Computer', select Tools | Folder Options |View [tab].
2. Deselect ‘Hide Protected Operating System Files (Recommended)’
3. Accept the warning.

Windows 2000/XP/2003

1. In 'My Computer' or 'Windows Explorer', select a folder (or a drive).
2. Click Tools|Folder Options.
3. Select the 'View' tab.
4. Select 'Show hidden files and folders'.
5. Deselect 'Hide file extensions for known file types'.
6. Click Apply|OK.
7. All the files in that folder will now display their extensions.

Windows NT

1. In 'My Computer' or 'Windows Explorer', select a folder (or a drive).
2. Click View|Options.
3. Select the 'View' tab.
4. Select 'Show all files'.
5. Deselect 'Hide file extensions for known file types'.
6. Click Apply|OK.
7. All the files in that folder will now display their extensions.

Windows 95/98/Me

1. In 'My Computer' or 'Windows Explorer', select a folder (or a drive).
2. Click View|Folder Options.
3. Select the 'View' tab.
4. Select 'Show all files'.
5. Deselect 'Hide file extensions for known file types'.
6. Click Apply|OK.
7. All the files in that folder will now display their extensions.