Today I thought I would mention a handy little website that has helped me out several times. It’s ComputerFileExtensions.com. There specialty is File Extensions, and if they don’t have the definition for them all, they certainly have more than any other site I have found.

The Directory

File Extensions is a directory of extension names. Next time a client sends you their photos in some weirdo format, now you can know exactly what it is. Besides knowing what the extension is for, you can also get information for problems you may be having with you PC because of them. Each extension has the it’s definition, and possible recommended issues you may be having with it.

The Software

File Extensions also has a registry scanner. The registry scanner is can be set to do a complete audit of your PC, or can be set to specifically hunt down the problem you may be having with a specific extension. A common problem that happens PC users, is that new applications like to do a hostile takeover of some of your files, in an attempt to be the authority on it. An example, would be loading Quicktime on a PC with Windows Media Player on it already, and Quicktime tries to get you to use their application to open all of the files that Windows Media did. This registry scanner can help identify problems like  this, and correct it.

The directory is the main reason I use this site. I don’t have too many problems with software these days, and only occasionaly run a registry scanner.

file extensions, registry scanner