Office 2019

libra10

When replacing my old laptop several weeks ago, I decided to purchase Office 2019.

Previously I had Office 2016, which is still installed on my old laptop.  When using Office 2016, when saving a document or spreadsheet, I could name it whatever I chose with no problems.  However, using the new Office 2019 software, each time I save a document it adds an extension, for example, 'rtf'  'docx'  'xlsx' or similar.  If I try to rename the file, it says that it may cause problems.

When trying to open the re-named file, I have to choose how to open the file, showing a dialogue of six options.

Is there any way I can save documents and spreadsheets in Word 2019 in a similar way to how I used to save them in previous Office programmes?

Thank you

Neil_Jones

It's supposed to add the .rtf, .docx or whatever, its always done that.

I think what you're referrring to if you rename the file in Windows Explorer, you can see the file extensions.  So if you decide to rename dalek.docx, highlight the file and press F2, if you change anything after the . - you'll get the message.  Change only the part before the full stop.  So you can change dalek.docx to doctor.docx for example and it'll still open in Word.

In Windows the letters after the full stop (the extension) tells Windows what program to use to open that file.  If you're renaming it and chopping off the .docx, Windows won't know what to open it with..  You can hide the extensions so next time you can just call what you like and it won't affect the extension:

https://www.techadvisor.com/how-to/windows/windows-10-file-extensions-3697651/

Sandtree

libra10 said:

When replacing my old laptop several weeks ago, I decided to purchase Office 2019.

Previously I had Office 2016, which is still installed on my old laptop.  When using Office 2016, when saving a document or spreadsheet, I could name it whatever I chose with no problems.  However, using the new Office 2019 software, each time I save a document it adds an extension, for example, 'rtf'  'docx'  'xlsx' or similar.  If I try to rename the file, it says that it may cause problems.

When trying to open the re-named file, I have to choose how to open the file, showing a dialogue of six options.

Is there any way I can save documents and spreadsheets in Word 2019 in a similar way to how I used to save them in previous Office programmes?

Thank you

What you are seeing is the difference in how Windows Explorer has been setup rather than Office. You can get Windows to hide the extensions of files of known format therefore you didnt see the .xlsx in the filename despite the fact it was there. If you rename the file whilst the extensions is turned off it doesnt give you the option of changing/deleting the file extension.

As has been pointed out, the file extension tells Windows which application to use and hence with you having removed them it now has to ask.

If you prefer not seeing file extension then just change the settings in Windows Explorer in the View tab

libra10

Thank you @Neil_Jones and @Sandtree

The problem isn't really about renaming the files, eg if I start a file and name it July, the extension would automatically be added.  I would only try to rename it to get rid of the extension.

I never use File Explorer to rename files, I have a folder set up on my desktop and go straight to the document.  Have looked at View in File Explorer, but not certain which settings to change.

This didn't happen when using Office 16, which is still installed on my old PC.  Could this be the reason the problem is happening?

Jenni_D

In Windows Explorer, even if it is setup to show file extensions (my preference) ... click once on the file, wait a second, click again. This highlights the file name but not the file extension. Type the new name and the file extension remains unchanged.

Sandtree

libra10 said:

I would only try to rename it to get rid of the extension.

You have two choices... either you keep the file extension and so it will automatically open in the correct application or you remove the extension and you'll have to tell windows what application to use each time.

It just appears your old laptop had been setup to hide the file extensions in Windows Explorer and hence you didnt realise they were there.

Neil_Jones

libra10 said:

Thank you @Neil_Jones and @Sandtree

The problem isn't really about renaming the files, eg if I start a file and name it July, the extension would automatically be added.  I would only try to rename it to get rid of the extension.

I never use File Explorer to rename files, I have a folder set up on my desktop and go straight to the document.  Have looked at View in File Explorer, but not certain which settings to change.

This didn't happen when using Office 16, which is still installed on my old PC.  Could this be the reason the problem is happening?

This isn't an Office issue.  This is a Windows configuration/display issue.  It doesn't matter how you rename the files whether via F2 or via the Offce Save as location or whether you use a third party program.  Your Windows is set up to show the extensions.  You can turn it off, see the link I posted.

libra10

Thanks everyone for your help.

Have removed the tick from 'file name extensions' in File Explorer, and document extensions no longer showing on files.

Much appreciated.