Problem with CBR and CBZ files

[Ghost]

Hello,

A couple of days ago I downloaded a couple of CBR and CBZ files and by changing their name to RAR or ZIP I could open them.
But now every time I try to open the name of the file, I get the name but not the file type anymore, this I can't change the name.

As far as I remember I haven't changed any settings, could someone help me?

[Harrison]

You mean the file extensions are now hidden when you look at the files? If so then this is just as setting in Windows you can easily change. Open any folder on your PC and going to the Tools/Folder menu option. Select the View tab and then scroll down and find the option "Hide extensions for known file types" and untick it, then click Apply and then OK. You should now be able to see them again.

[Ghost]

Hello Harrison,

I do see the file extension but I can't alter them any more.

Edit:

I spoke to soon, thank you so very much.
Because my windows is Dutch I had to search for a while but I found the menu
All that is left is the question how this happened in the first place.

[Harrison]

Not sure. It is the default way windows is setup when it is first installed so maybe something reset it back to how it was originally.

[Teho]

One of the first things I disable after a fresh install. And also one of the first things I turn off on a computer illiterate friend's computer and explain what are and how they work. In my opinion, Microsoft isn't doing anyone any favours by having this function on by default.

[Harrison]

This feature was only ever added to Windows to try and make it look like it worked in a similar way to Mac OS, where files are identified by their icon and the names can be whatever you like. But hiding the extensions just really annoys me and definitely limits functionality. So often I repair a PC for someone and they still have them hidden, and are really confused when I try to talk them through how to do something, but they can't because they don't even know what a file extension is.

[Teho]

Exactly! I showed a friend of mine once how he could download MP3s with WinMX back in the day. He allready knew how to make an audio cd from them. But a few weeks later his wife calls me up and wonders how does she burn MP3s that has video?

Yep, that was the question.

Turned out of course that she had downloaded AVIs of music videos, but did not know this as she couldn't see the difference between the files. MP3s with video, I still smile whenever I remember that one. Anyway, another case where I had to show and explain to someone what file extentions are and what they are for. Which of course leads to having to teach them the logic of the entire file-system as well. It baffles me that people can use computers for years and still not understand the filesystem at all. To them it's just a labyrinth of folders and shortcuts, or at least that's what they've created after years of inept use!

[Harrison]

That is the average computer "user". When i repair a PC for anyone their file structure is always like that. I've drawn the conclusion that if they could manage their file structure then they probably wouldn't be needing me to repair the PC!

It is quite mad though because I never see the illogical nature of how people save files. Especially people who have worked with file systems in their jobs with paper files and filling cabinets. I always try to explain it in that way to them and often they are still lost and can never find where they have saved files on their computers. This is normally because when using an application they will click save, give the file a name and then click save, without even looking at where the current location is that the file will be saved in. Mad!

[Ghost]

Hi guys,

I hope this wasn't meant at me, I know I am somewhat illiterate but I am catching up with knowledge, I have already learned a lot of things since I started with a computer.
But sometimes knowledge gets lost if you haven't used it in a while, so its kind of learning and re-leaning.

[Teho]

As far as I know, you're nothing like the people we were talking about. I guess me and Harrison were just venting a little at some of the more ridiculous help requests we get from friends and family sometimes.