Hide file extensions of know file types

  • Thread starter Thread starter bludbot
  • Start date Start date
B

bludbot

Hi

I want to disable "Hide file extensions of known file
types" in my email. This is a security issue with
attachments to email. It would be nice to know what file
type I am dealing with before opening. I don't want a
virus hiding behind a JPEG file when it is in fact a
different kind of file. Why Microsoft would send their
software out with this enabled is beyond me, as it
encourages the spread of viruses.

Bludbot
 
Greetings --

In Windows Explorer, Tools > Folder Options > View.

Bruce Chambers

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having both at once. -- RAH
 
Hi

I want to disable "Hide file extensions of known file
types" in my email. This is a security issue with
attachments to email. It would be nice to know what file
type I am dealing with before opening. I don't want a
virus hiding behind a JPEG file when it is in fact a
different kind of file. Why Microsoft would send their
software out with this enabled is beyond me, as it
encourages the spread of viruses.

Bludbot
Click to expand...
I'm going to make Kelly mad at me again - I just suggested this over in
"help & support" for somebody else, and she pointed out that they were
probably just looking for the fix Bruce Chambers described for you.
Bruce's fix will reveal 95% of the file extensions, both in file folders
and email attachments. The procedure in this link will reveal the other
5%, to include "scrap" files and other types that normally have hidden
extensions, but may be executable. It sounds like that's what you're
describing, where you click on what looks like a ".jpg", but it's really
a ".jpg.xxx".

There are two disadvantages to the following fix: 1) your desktop won't
be "pretty" anymore - every shortcut will have a ".lnk" suffix. 2) This
is a registry hack. If you're not used to working in the registry, get
someone who is. Think of it as open heart surgery, with the heart still
beating. Good way to end up with a $2000 paperweight, if you're not
careful.

CERT Incident Note IN-2000-07:
"Exploitation of Hidden File Extensions"
(http://www.cert.org/incident_notes/IN-2000-07.html)

Hope this helps...

~ Rosanne
 
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