Windows XP vs 7 file rename behavior

sm625

Diamond Member
May 6, 2011
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In 7 when you single click a file name it doesnt highlight the extension. In windows XP it does, which is kind of annoying nowadays. Is there any way to hack windows XP so that when you go to rename a file it doesnt highlight the ".xxx"?
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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No need to hack. It is a simple checkbox choice. Open Control Panel, go to Folder Options, View and check the box called "Hide Extensions for Known File Types." Win 7 improves that. Procedurally, when I rename a file in XP, once it is selected, I tap HOME, and move the cursor to the far left and go from there. I like seeing the ".xxx" so I know what I'm doing.
 
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sm625

Diamond Member
May 6, 2011
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Oh I should have mentioned that I always turn off the hide extension. I cant stand not seeing my file extensions.
 

Nothinman

Elite Member
Sep 14, 2001
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Upgrade to an OS that isn't a decade old?

I believe what you want would require changes to explorer, which just isn't going to happen at this point.
 

corkyg

Elite Member | Peripherals
Super Moderator
Mar 4, 2000
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Oh I should have mentioned that I always turn off the hide extension. I cant stand not seeing my file extensions.

In that case, Nothinman is spot on. Or, as I suggested, you can change your rename procedure. By tapping "Home" you can delete everything up to the extension decimal and tpe in the new name. You then do not change or need to retype the extension.

These functions are programmed into Windows Explorer, and as Nothinman points out, you can't expect updates in that program at this point.

You might also try a 3rd party file manager such as ZTree for Windows. That really gives you power tools. http://www.ztree.com/