Rename file - extension selected or not

Is there a pattern to when the file extension is highlighted when you select RENAME from the right-click menu?

On default, Windows don't show file extensions on Explorer. That is the best way to run a malicious software. (Naked.jpg.exe will show as Naked.jpg (image file) but it is an executable file).
If you want to show all file name, open Control Panel\All Control Panel Items\Folder Options, click view tab and un mark Hide extensions of known file types.

I think it is a Windows saftey feature to not hi-lite the extension. I have programmed a key to do a 'select all' (very handy). So, for me it is a 2-step op, i.e. F2 + key. Or just use mouse to select the entire name.

Paul Black said:

Hi fishcad,



I don't quite understand what you are asking!

In some folders when I click on a file and then right-click > rename the extension is not highlighted so when you type a new name you don't need to include the extension. In other folders when I click on a file and then right-click > rename the entire filename including the extension is highlighted so you have to type in the extension. Not a big deal but I wish it was consistent.

It sounds like the folder type is at issue here. You've probably noticed that you can go into a folder's properties and make it for music or documents, etc.

What is the folder type for when you CAN edit the extension and what is the folder type for when you CAN'T edit a file extension?

This is just my guess, and knowing Windows it's probably just that.

Edit- I just tried my little experiment myself and don't see a pattern. Right clicking the file name in any type of folder whether that be for music or documents just highlights the name and not the extension.

I went through the 3 drives on my computer, several USB sticks, and my phone. It is only on the phone where the extension is selected along with the filename when renaming a file. I just never before spent the effort to figure that out. Still don't know why it's different on the phone but at least I see the pattern.

So the phone is connected to the computer via USB? I'll have to try that and see if I can get the same result.

Like I said, it has to be like a folder properties thing or maybe it's even a type of storage now that you narrowed it down to a phone.

If I understand the situation correctly it appears to work like this:

If the file is on a local drive or on a Windows network Windows Explorer treats the extension as special because in Windows it has a special meaning. In this case the extension is not selected to avoid accidentally changing it.

If the file is on a non Windows network drive with an unknown OS and file system, as is the case with your phone, Explorer makes no assumptions about the extension. Windows conventions about file extensions may not apply. The extension is treated as part of the name and selected as such.