Vista File Extension Quirks

You may not notice this one at first since Vista does show some file extensions by default. Unfortunately, it doesn't show all of them.

I first noticed this when I had an index.htm file with some php code in it. On my be new Vista machine, it wasn't executing the php code. I could have put an addhandler line in the .htacces file but I couldn't find it. I figured I'd just rename it to index.php. When I looked at the file, it was listed as just "index" and, being a little tired, the light didn't go on at that point. I renamed the file from "index" to "index.php" and I got to see the index of the directory in my browser.

Finally, I figured out that Vista wasn't showing me the .htm extension (although it was showing me the .php extension). I had actually renamed the file to index.htm.php.

Reluctantly, I refrain from launching my tirade about software companies that want to protect you from yourself by hiding crucial information from you. Here's the fix:

Make Vista Show All File Extensions

  1. Press the Windows key and select Control Panel.
  2. Click on Classic View in the upper left
  3. Double click on FolderOptions.
  4. Click on the View tab.
  5. Uncheck Hide extensions for known file types (about halfway down the list).
  6. While you're there, see if there's anything else you want to change.
  7. Click Apply.
  8. Click OK.

Vista will now show you all file extensions.

 

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  —  Bob Ray