The Problem

Unfortunately, many Windows machines are configured so that they hide the "dot 3" extension after a file name; in other words, the 3 (sometimes 4) letter extension that identfies the type of file does not appear. For instance, a Microsoft Word document might not have ".doc" on the end of the filename, or a text file might not have ".txt" after it, or a Web page might be missing the ".htm" or ".html".

This is easily fixed, and it is important that you fix it, especially if you are going to be making Web pages. Knowing that a file is a .htm can be extremely helpful, especially if you've got an accidental link to the file as a ".html"! Further, seeing the extension can be a big help in preventing a virus infection. The Anna Kournikova virus used an extension that ended with ".shs", a type of file that virtually no one should ever open. Without a visible extension, it would have been impossible to tell just by looking that the attachment was dangerous.

However, Microsoft keeps changing the means by which you can set your computer to reveal the extension, so make sure you use the correct method for your version of Windows.

If you're using Windows 95

1. On your desktop, open My Computer.
2. Select the View menu, & then select Options.
3. On the View tab, uncheck the box next to Hide file extensions for known file types.
   
4. Click OK to close Options.
5. Close My Computer.

If you're using Windows 98

1. On your desktop, open My Computer.
2. Select the View menu, & then select Folder Options.
3. On the View tab, uncheck the box next to Hide file extensions for known file types.
   
4. Click OK to close Folder Options.
5. Close My Computer.

If you're using Windows ME, Windows 2000, or Windows XP

1. On your desktop, open My Computer. If you don't see My Computer, then open any folder.
2. Select the Tools menu, & then select Folder Options ….
   
3. In the Folder Options windows, click on the View tab.
4. Uncheck the box next to Hide file extensions for known file types (Note that I have checked and unchecked other boxes that may not apply to you. If you would like to make your View tab resemble mine below, go right ahead; however, it is not necessary if all that you wish to do is reveal the "dot 3" file extension.).
   
5. Click OK to close the Folder Options window.
6. Close the My Computer window.

If you're using Windows Vista or 7

1. Click on the Start button > Control Panel > Appearance and Personalization > Folder Options (Two thoughts: [1] Boy, Vista is a lot more complicated than earlier versions of Windows! [2] You can always use the Search box on the Start menu & just search for "Folder Options" there, which may be the easiest option.)
2. In the Folder Options windows, click on the View tab.
3. Uncheck the box next to Hide file extensions for known file types.

1. Click OK to close the Folder Options window.