Windows 7 Taskforce

Never hide file extension for executable files

Submitted by limulus on May 12, 2009 to Annoyance, Usability

Problem: The problem with executable files masking as documents when "Hide file extensions" is turned on has been around for a decade. Virus writers use a standard document icon as the executable's main icon resource and an inconspicuous filename (such as "My Document") to make the program appear to be a document rather than an executable.

Solution: Various solutions to this problem have been proposed, including confirmation dialogs and UAC options. However, there is a *MUCH* simpler way to contain this threat:

Never hide the file extension for executable files, EVEN if the option is turned on! Better yet, make the text color of executables red. Instantly, the problem is solved, with coding that can be done in a day.

Severity: High

Impact: High

Status: Not fixed