How to Change File Extensions With Vista
There are a few reasons that you might need to change a file extension. Some extensions are readable in only a few programs, but are closely related enough to another more standard file type to be safely interchanged. M4V files, for instance, are playable mainly in Apple's iTunes program. They use the same codecs as MP4s though, and changing an M4V to an MP4 will not damage the file. If you would like to change the extension on files in your Vista system, the process is fairly simple.
- Difficulty:
- Moderately Easy
Instructions
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1
Browse to the folder where the files are located. All of the folders on your hard drive can be accessed by going to the "Start" menu and clicking on the "Computer" or "My Computer" option. This will bring up a browsing window.
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2
Make the file extensions visible. Most operating systems are set up so that common file extensions are not shown at the end of file names. You will need to be able to see the extension to change it. To display it, click on the "Tools" menu in the browsing window. Select "Folder Options." The "Folder Options" box will open. Go to the "View" tab and find the command "Hide extensions for known file types" under the "Advanced Settings" section. Uncheck the box beside it and click "OK." The window box will close and your file extensions will now be visible.
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Right-click on the name of the file that you would like to change the extension of, and select "Rename" from the list that comes up. This will highlight the file name, and the name can now be changed.
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Delete the extension from the file name. The file extension consists of all the letters that come after the dot. Type in the new extension and press "Enter."
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Confirm the extension change. Windows will prompt you with a pop-up window asking if you are sure you want to make the change. Click "Yes" and the change will take effect.
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Tips & Warnings
If the file doesn't work after you change the extension, the file types were more than likely not closely related enough to be interchanged. The file can be restored by changing the extension back to the its original file type.
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Comments
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Correction...Open the folder containing the files you want to convert to mp3 format. At the top, click on Organize. In the drop-down menu, click Folder and Search Options. Click the View tab, then UNselect "Hide extensions for known file types. Then, go back to your folder, right-click on the file that you would like to change, click Rename. The entire file name will be highlighted, so click one time anywhere in the name to unhighlight it, then move the cursor to the end of the file name and type ".mp3" without quotation marks. Hit Enter, and the file will be changed to mp3 format. I had several music files that were downloaded with the file type identified as "File" The music would play on the computer, but not on my phone or mp3 player. After following the steps I outlined, the file will now play in any mp3 capable device! Works in Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit.
