How to Change Music Extension File Names

Changing a music file extension takes about two minutes to accomplish.

Personal computer systems read files based on the file extensions associated with files. On occasion, you may want to change the file extension so it opens up in a certain music application. You can change individual file extension names. You can also change the application Windows uses to open your file, which is essentially why you would want to change the extension in the first place.

Instructions

Change a File Extension

1. Hit your "Start" button, scroll up to "Accessories," scroll over to "Windows Explorer" and click. A file tree on the left of the window will appear.

2. Click "Tools" on the main menu. Scroll down and click "Folder Options." Hit the "View" tab. Remove the check mark from the box next to "Hide extensions for known file types." This will allow you to view file extensions. Click the "Apply" button and close the window.

   If you are using Windows 7, open your "Control Panel" and click on the "Folder Options" selection. Click the "View" tab. Scroll down and remove the check mark from the box next to "Hide extensions for known file types."

3. Find the music file that you want to alter. Right click the icon. Scroll down to "Rename." Type in the new file extension in the field next to the icon. Hit the "Enter" key on your keyboard.

Change the Way Windows Opens a File

1. Hit your "Start" button, scroll up to "Accessories," scroll over to "Windows Explorer" and click. A file tree on the left of the window will appear.

2. Find a music file that you want to alter in the file tree.

3. Right click on it. Scroll down and click "Open With."

4. Scroll through and pick the music program that you want to open this type of file. Click the box next to "Always use the selected program to open this kind of file." This will not change the file extension, but it will change the way Windows opens the file. Click "OK" and close dialog boxes.

References

• Media College: How to Change a File Extension in Windows
• Microsoft: How to change or select which program starts when you double-click a file in Windows XP
• Maximum PC Guides: Show File Extensions