How Do I Rename A File Extension On My Computer

How Do I Rename A File Extension on My Computer

Renaming a file or its extension on your computer is fairly simple,  just follow the instructions below.

 The instructions below are for a recent windows 95, 98, ME, 2000, XP, 7 and 8 Machine.

 

First you need to find location of the file you want to rename.

  1. Right click and select properties
  2. Click the Security Tab
  3. Find the object name at the top of the selected tab
  4. Click in the name and either manually highlight the whole name or right click and choose select all. Once highlighted right click and select copy.

 

Now you need to open a  Command Prompt Window

There are various methods to do this choose the easiest for you.

  1. Click the “start button” select run type cmd and press enter.
  2. Click the “start button” in the search box type cmd and press enter.
  3. Click the “start button”, Choose “All Programs”, Choose “Accessories”, Select Command Prompt.

 

Rename your selected file or change the Extension

In the newly opened Command Prompt Window

  • Type cd then press the space bar.
  • Within the window right click and select paste.
  • Delete the file name so you are left with a \ press enter.
  • You should now be in the directory where you file is stored.
  • Type rename then press the space bar.
  • Within the window right click and select paste.
  • Delete everything bar the file name e.g. test.exe
  • Press the space bar
  • Within the window right click and select paste.
  • Delete everything bar the file name e.g. test.exe
  • Change the exe or whatever the file extension is to zzz if you want to hide the file from your email provider or to whatever file extension you choose.

To exit the Command Prompt window type exit and press enter.

 

Congratulations you have just renamed your first file!