Selectively Hide File Extensions

Back in the November 2002 issue, I explained how to edit the Windows Registry so the three-letter file-type extension of certain file types is always visible. Reader Steve Wong sent an e-mail to point out that if you prefer, you can pull the opposite trick: Keep all your file extensions showing, but hide just a few that get in the way (such as the .stky extension I created for making on-screen sticky notes.

To hide a single extension type, follow the steps in the November tip (including a Registry backup), then click Start, Run and type regedit to launch the Registry Editor. Locate the branch in the Registry corresponding to the file type whose extension you want to keep hidden--for example, HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\stkyfile for the .stky file extension.

Note that in recent versions of Windows, the branch (a folder icon called a "key" in Registry lingo) for any homegrown file types, such as the .stky example I described, is named something like ft000001 or ft000002. If you select this folder icon in the left pane and see 'Sticky Note' under the Data column in the right pane for the '(Default)' icon, you know you've selected the correct icon.

To prevent this file extension from appearing, select its folder icon in the left pane, then right-click anywhere in the right pane and choose New, String Value. Type NeverShowExt (all one word) and press Enter. The right pane should now have an icon named NeverShowExt. At this point you may need to log off and log back on to Windows to see the effect, but from now on, files of that type should never show the extension, even when you use the View, Folder Options or Tools, Folder Options dialog box (under the View tab) to make extensions visible all the time.

• See more like this:
• Windows,
• Dunn,
• file,
• backup,
• back up,
• shortcut,
• icon,
• volcano,
• screen saver,
• screensaver,
• password,
• change passwords,
• extension,
• Registry,
• size,
• sizer