Cannot Rename Files. Help!

I cannot rename any files. In particular Microsoft Word 2002. When I try to rename a file I get the message "If you change a file name extension, the file may become unusable. Are you sure you want to change it?" Then when I click "Yesâ€, the file is converted to an unusable web document. This is messing up my filing of important documents. How can I possibly find a particular document when they all have the same name?

Can anyone help throw any light on this problem and how I can resolve it? The problem is not restricted to Word 2002, or Works 2002, but ALL types of file are affected. My Operating System is XP.

 

May be time for a Housecall, and an on-line virus check.

 

Thanks for your help. Problem now resolved.

Hi Luqa,
Thanks for the advice. I used the Virus checking software you recommended (excellent piece of software!), but it found no viruses. I double checked with Norton Anti Virus; - found no infections. So I next consulted Microsoft Help and Support for Windows XP, typed in the search criterion: "If you change a file name extension, the file may become unusable. Are you sure you want to change it?" I was directed to pages about file associations which prompted me to open "My Computer" - "Tools" tab, - "Folder Optionsâ€, - "Viewâ€, - put a check mark in the box: "Hide extensions for all known file typesâ€.

I was surprised to find this box unchecked as it is normally checked as default, but I previously ran PC Booster after my system began slowing down and it optimized my system. It must have unchecked this setting during the optimization process. I will know to look at settings in future.

I’ve detailed the procedure above in case anyone else ever comes across the same problem.

Again, - thanks for your advice, it prompted me to look further.

 

Glad you resolved your problem. Thanks for posting back.