By default the file extensions (like .txt or .doc) are not shown in Windows. And its sometimes necessary to change the extension to change the file format. For example, in my previous post, “Here's how you can Lock and hide folders in Windows without any Software". I asked to copy the codes to Notepad (i.e. .txt) and change it to .bat format.

If you are using Vista, Go to Control Panel -> Appearance and Personalization -> Click Folder Options.





If you are using Windows XP, Go to Control Panel and Under Classic View, Click Folder Options.





Click ‘View‘ tab, and Uncheck ‘Hide extensions of known file types‘.



















Click ‘Apply‘ and ‘Ok‘

Another option to change file extensions when the extensions are hidden:

If you want to save a file in a format which is different from its current format, open the file in the editor and Click File -> Save As.
You will be given a pop-up box to enter the file name. Click the drop down in ‘Save as type‘ and select ‘All Files‘. Now enter the file name along with its new extension and save it.