Locating Specific Files

What's the fastest way to get to a program's executable file, and is there a way for Win 7 to display file extensions? For example, I might want to find the specific .exe file that launches XYZ program, so I click on the Start button, then click on "Computer" on the right side of the screen, then click on OS (C:), then click on the XYZ Program Files folder, go down the list and click on the largest file I can find that's labeled "Applicaton" because I don't see any .exe extension and see if that launches the program. Seems like a lot of steps. Can I put the Program Files folder on the desktop or on the left side of the Start menu?

1) To display file extensions, in windows explorer click on Organize tab at the top left of the window, click on Folder options, click on View tab. uncheck the box "Hide extensions for known file types", click Apply, click OK.

2) To search for specific file extensions, you can use the syntax Type:=.doc (if you are looking for .doc files) in the search box in explorer, you can pre-select the location (drive/folder) where you want to search. See this page for more info.

How To Search For File Types in Windows 7

Q: What's the fastest way to get to a program's executable file

A: People prefer different methods. Here are a few:
1) Right click on the shortcut, choose 'Open file location'
2) Use Windows Explorer to browse to the folder

Q: is there a way for Win 7 to display file extensions?

A: Control Panel\Folder Options}View Tab, 2nd item from the bottom (here...) in the Advanced Settings window (without scrolling) is 'Hide extensions for known file types'. Make sure the box next to it is unchecked.

Q: Can I put the Program Files folder on the desktop or on the left side of the Start menu?

A: The Program Files folder is already on the Start Menu. Example: Click on Start Menu orb, see 'All Programs'. This is your Program Files folder & contains shortcuts to your programs.


James

A: The Program Files folder is already on the Start Menu. Example: Click on Start Menu orb, see 'All Programs'. This is your Program Files folder & contains shortcuts to your programs.

Almost right under my nose: Start - All Programs, and when I right click on a specific program and select "Open Location," there are all the program's files listed. Some fooling around and I find the full path (not the shortened path displayed) by clicking on the little down arrow to the right in the path box at the top. But right clicking on the progam icon is definately the fastest. Thanks for your help.