Question

Is there a way to turn off the file extension rename dialog in windows?

The one that says "Rename: If you change a filename extension, the file might become unstable. Are you sure you want to change it?

Not that i think it matters but i am using Windows 7

Answer 1

It's possible with an AutoHotkey script:

While, 1
{
 WinWait, Rename ahk_class #32770
 WinActivate, 
 ControlClick, Button1
}

Install AutoHotkey, save the code above in a file with the .ahk extension and launch the script. It will wait for the Rename window to appear. When it does, it automatically "clicks" on the Yes button (identified here with "Button1").

If you don't want to install AutoHotkey, here is a compiled version of the same script. Run the executable and watch it do its magic :-) .

Note it does not really answer the question, as the question still appears. But it's automated so you'll not be bothered by it anymore.

Answer 2

It is very much possible, with the right tools, patience, and nice disassembler and some luck you can disable it.

However, it is not as simple as changing a registry key.

Here is an example of someone disabling the "delay" when you try to delete a file that is in use. http://www.codeproject.com/KB/system/NoDeleteDelay.aspx
I just tried to poke around and didn't find anything useful.

I think a better solution than RtvReco is for someone to create a menu option to the context menu that says like "Rename2" and pops up a messagebox prompting for the new filename and uses Windows API to rename it.....actually as I did this idea as I typed this see this link:
http://datanethost.net/source/r2/

Considering I made it in the course of about 30 minutes, it has no features outside of renaming and may work or may not work. Feel free to fork the code and do whatever you want to your hearts content (namely error checking...). I tried it in Windows 7 x64 and I was able to rename a file (not a folder, yet?).

Answer 3

you can't, however, all is not lost.

you can use RtvReco to automatically close the warning as soon as it appears. this nifty little tool is designed to automate many aspects of Windows, by pressing buttons in annoying dialog boxes, choosing menu items, maximising, and minimising windows for you.

... or use a decent file mananger instead of Windows Explorer (e.g. Total Commander).

both programs are shareware, try before you buy.

i am aware of this registry hack, however, it does not work for me with Windows 7

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System]

set the value of ConsentPromptBehaviorAdmin to zero (0) and Reboot.

p.s.: of course there are free alternatives to Total Commander, it just so happens to be my file manager of choice.