How to order files in explorer by file extension (not type)

Question

Is it possible to make windows explorer order the files view in a folder by the file extensions (e.g. .jpg, .png, .gif and so on)?

In most cases it is sufficient for me to order by file type, but I have some associations that read the same but mean different extensions.

I'm using Windows 7. There is a freeware utility called CPExt wich adds a new selectable column to windows explorer that shows the file extension. Thus, you can order the view by this new column. That's exactly what I am searching for for windows 7. That tool is only available for windows versions up to XP.

Answer 1

Possibly not the answer you wanted, but...Microsoft removed the functionality to allow explorer addons to add columns - it was removed in Vista and is not in Windows 7 either. That's why the CPExt extension only works up to Windows XP.

See the following article for an explanation:

http://xpwasmyidea.blogspot.com/2009/10/evil-conspiracy-behind-customizable.html

An alternative would be to use an Explorer replacement - Explorer++ is an open source piece of software that you can use instead of explorer (or as a standalone app, which may suit your needs). Explorer++ allows you to select File Extension as a column and then you can sort by extension.

Answer 2

Maybe stating the obvious here, but you could change the description of the file type extension. E.g. by adding the file type extension to the description between parentheses.

See What program do you use to edit file associations in Vista and Windows 7? for possibilities doing so in Windows 7.