Turn off change file extension warning in Windows 7

Question

Is there a way to turn off the file extension rename dialog in Windows 7?

The one that says

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

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

In response to a comment about the accepted answer, I also found the AHK script to be quite slow. This modification seems to make it faster:

While, 1
{
 WinWaitActive, Renommer ahk_class #32770
 send o
}

You'll notice I'm using windows in french. For english use:

While, 1
{
 WinWaitActive, Rename ahk_class #32770
 send y
}

Answer 4

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.

Answer 5

Here is the code I used to solve the issue in AutoIT script. The only issue is that is keeps running and hogs some resources. Unless yall have a better idea to fix the script. :-)

While 1
  if WinActive("Rename","") Then
    Send("!y")
  EndIf
  WEnd

Answer 6

As we have files that when downloaded automatically has the date and time added as the extension. So I have been looking for a solution and found one.

Download a program called Free Commander. They have a portable version that can be installed on a USB thumb drive if needed.

This program allows you to select multiple files as in my case, and renames the extension without asking are you sure.

Answer 7

If Windows doesn't know about a file extension, it doesn't bother me with this warning. Example, I created a bunch of files with .scoobydoo as the extension. I renamed them to .daphne, and never got prompted.

So, if you're renaming a bunch of files (say, from .jpeg to .jpg or something) maybe you can temporarily delete the file type association?

Answer 8

I understand the problem and have the solution you are looking for.

Under either My Computer or Windows Explorer, what you arew looking for is in the Tools dropdown from your menu; Go to your View tab, and then select "Hide extensions for known file types"...this will allow you to rename your files at will without the hassle of needing to add the extension type each time.