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Windows Explorer File Extension Column

Windows Explorer does not provide a way to sort files by their file extension. The only way that resembles that sorting filter would be to filter by type. That however has not the same effect. Take files with the file extensions wav and mp3 and sort them by type. You will notice that they will be mixed in the Windows Explorer view because type refers to the type of the file and not its extension.

The tool Cpext adds a file extension column to Windows Explorer making it possible to sort the files in detailed view by their file extension and not their type.

The Windows Explorer extension is available for Windows 2000, Windows 2003, Windows XP including the 64-bit editions of Windows Server 2003 and Windows XP.

windows explorer extension

A right-click on the file CPExt.inf and the selection of install will start the installation of the Windows Explorer extension. A logoff / logon or reboot is required before the additional column becomes available in Windows Explorer.

The column has to be activated by right-clicking on a existing column in detail view mode and selecting more from the menu that opens. Check the Ext entry in the following menu to add the file extension column to Windows Explorer.

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About the Author:Martin Brinkmann is a journalist from Germany who founded Ghacks Technology News Back in 2005. He is passionate about all things tech and knows the Internet and computers like the back of his hand. You can follow Martin on Facebook or Twitter.

Author: , Thursday August 7, 2008 -
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Responses so far:

  1. Pity it does not work with Windows Server 2008 – Would have been a great help to those who want this type of facility.

  2. Colby says:

    Anyone know of any alternatives for the newest versions of Windows? Server 2008/Windows 7?

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