[How to] Show File Extensions in Windows XP/Vista/7

[sss20]

Windows 7 and previous versions of Windows hide file extensions by default, which is a big security risk.
A common technique virus authors use is disguising a .exe file as .avi , .jpg, .doc, or .txt when it’s actually a executable file (.exe) making you run and install a malicious program.
For example a bad guy can name a malware “must-see-video.avi.exe”, if your file extension was hidden you would not realize the file was a .exe because you would only see “must-see-video.avi” and once you realized what you did it’s to late.


How Show File Extensions in Windows XP, Vista, 7

Show file extensions in Windows XP:

1. Go to My Computer (WINKEY+E.)
2. Click Tools
3. Select Folder Options.
   
4. Click the View tab, uncheck Hide extensions for known file types, and click OK.

Show File Extensions in Windows Vista/7 :

1. Go to Computer (WINKEY+E.)
2. Press the ALT key to show the action toolbar.
3. Click Tools
4. Select Folder Options.
   
5. Click the View tab, uncheck Hide extensions for known file types, and click OK.

[gusthebus]

Nice guide...this is probably helpful to a lot of people.

[umbrapolaris]

yes.

ahhh the basics of security, everyone should know that. good point for the post.

we should have a heading like "how to secure Windows after an installation" where people can post topics of advices and recommendations.