How do I Change the File EXE Extension to TXT in Vista?

Quickly modify your file extension visibility settings in Microsoft Windows Vista.

By default, the Microsoft Windows Vista operating system only displays the names of files. Unless a file is associated with an unknown file type, its two- to four-letter extension is not shown. To view the extensions of all files so you can make changes to them, you must first update Vista's folder configuration settings. Once you know where to look, updating the proper setting and changing the extension of a file is easily done.

Instructions

1. Click the Windows "Start" button and select "Control Panel."

2. Double-click the "Folder Options" icon.

3. Select the "View" tab.

4. Uncheck the box labeled "Hide extensions for known file types."

5. Click "OK."

6. Single-click the icon of the EXE file you want to edit.

7. Press the "F2" key, replace the ".exe" portion of the file name with ".txt," and then press the "Enter" key.

8. Click "Yes" when prompted to confirm your choice.

References

• Windows: Show or Hide File Name Extensions
• How Vista Works: Rename a File or Rename a Folder in Windows Vista