In computer science, there are 2 similar terms: file format and file type. Some personal computer users do not see the difference between these concepts, moreover, they can add the concept of file extension to the previous terms, collecting everything in a heap. In working with operating systems of the Windows line, it is possible to rename only the file extension, and the file format can only be changed by converting it.
Necessary
Windows operating system
Instructions
Step 1
If you look in Explorer, you can make sure that you cannot change the file extension. To change the file extension, you must enable the display of letters after the period in the file name. This option can be activated in the File Explorer folder settings. Open any folder or "My Computer" by double-clicking on the item with the left mouse button. Click the top menu "Tools", in the list that opens, select "Folder Options".
Step 2
In the window that opens, go to the "View" tab and select "Hide extensions for registered file types" in the "Additional parameters" block. Uncheck this item, you can also uncheck the next item "Hide extensions for registered file types" if the file whose extension you want to change has the attributes "Hidden" or "System". Then click the Apply and OK buttons.
Step 3
Now you just need to go to the folder that contains the file to be changed and rename its extension. There are several ways to rename an extension:
- right-click on the file and select "Rename";
- press twice abruptly on the file name;
- select the file and press the F2 key.
Step 4
After doing any of the above, you can change the file extension. Once you have done this, do not forget to press the Enter key or left-click on an empty field of a folder or desktop. You will see a dialog box asking you to confirm the change of the extension, click the "Yes" button if you are sure or click the "No" button if you did something wrong.
Step 5
If an error message appears on the screen or the requested action cannot be performed, it means that the file structure is closed for modification or the file has read-only attributes. Right click on your file and select Properties. In the "Attributes" block, uncheck the "Read only" item and click the "Apply" and "OK" buttons.
