Folder Options/File Types

[David Ott]

MS Windows XP Explorer allows the user to include file
attributes such as Name, size, type, data modified, etc.

The Type column in previous revision of Windows Explorer
was taken from the Tools/Folder Options/File Types, so
that if one abbreviated the file type there, it would be
abbreviated in the Explorer window. This was helpful to
allow a more compressed Type column (e.g. MS Word Doc
instead of Microsoft Word Document) and allowing more
space for the other columns or for the folders windows.

When I change the File Type (Microsoft Word Docuemnt ->
MS Word Doc) in Folder Options / File Type, it changes
however the change does not appear in Explorer (as was
the case in Windows 2000). The next time the machine is
re-booted, Folder Options / File Type is then back to the
original "Microsoft Word Docuemnt".

How does one change the Type field in Explorer to restore
this Windows functionality?

P.S. So far, only MS programs (mis)behave this way. E.g.,
Adobe ones behave properly - staying changed when
changed.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[Alex Nichol]

The Type column in previous revision of Windows Explorer
was taken from the Tools/Folder Options/File Types, so
that if one abbreviated the file type there, it would be
abbreviated in the Explorer window. This was helpful to
allow a more compressed Type column (e.g. MS Word Doc
instead of Microsoft Word Document) and allowing more
space for the other columns or for the folders windows.

When I change the File Type (Microsoft Word Docuemnt ->
MS Word Doc) in Folder Options / File Type, it changes
however the change does not appear in Explorer (as was
the case in Windows 2000). The next time the machine is
re-booted, Folder Options / File Type is then back to the
original "Microsoft Word Docuemnt".

I think you may get a different and only transient effect if you change
it in an individual windows Tools - Folder Options . Try from Control
Panel - Folder Options - File Types, using the Advanced button. That
changes the correct entry in the registry, and opening an explorer
window subsequently shows the change (I have not checked across a
reboot, but see no reason why a change made there would revert)