Determining File Types with No Extension

**Wassim** · 2004-01-19 23:40

<img src=/S/hello.gif border=0 alt=hello width=25 height=29> Loungers

Is there a way to determining the file types when no extension is provided, so that I can provide the extension and have Windows recognize the file?

Thanks In Advance.

Wassim

**LegareColeman** · 2004-01-20 00:49

It depends on the file. Some files (like Excel files) have identifier bytes near the beginning of the file. Its not 100% accurate as files other than excel (.exe files for example) might end up with the same bytes at the designated location.

**Wassim** · 2004-01-20 02:16

<img src=/S/thankyou.gif border=0 alt=thankyou width=40 height=15> Legare

I do know that some files do have identifier info in their header, or what have you, and Office application files do have Metadata stuff that can tell what type of file it is.

The question is, if some files do have this information that can tell what type they are, how do we get to it?

I ask because via e-mail someone gets a whole lot of files without extensions, and the work around was to bulk give them extensions, and try and open the files using the registered appropriate application.

Now this works fine for a couple of files, but when we start talking about 1000 and more, this becomes too time consuming and boring.

TIA

Wassim

**DaveA** · 2004-01-20 02:21

Where are you getting these files with NO extensions?

Or have you NOT turned ON in Windows Explorer Options to show ALL extensions?

We were posting at the same time.

Since you are getting these by email, then they could be coming from a NON MS Windows type of system and may not be compatable.

**Wassim** · 2004-01-20 02:36

<img src=/S/hello.gif border=0 alt=hello width=25 height=29> Dave

I have noticed that some time Nestcape e-mail client saves a Word document and butchers its name. This happens a lot when you have Long File Names, and spaces get replaced by or what ever the code is.

Other times, we get files sent to us via someone who is less than careful. We do all our do diligence to scan for viruses, but at times, when the file comes without an extension, Windows won't know what to do with it.

Even if you have hidden extensions, Windows will still display an icon for the known files and their extensions. This is a case where we get a file that has a name such as <font color=blue>redo.PSF, or 20040113(12_33_24)[1].art</font color=blue>

So what is a PSF file? Or what is a ART file, some time we get files that are so butchered that we have to simply give it a name of our own, like <font color=blue>!!!!!!!.t</font color=blue>

Now I know that I can go on the web and find all sorts of extensions, but when you don't have one??? Hum!!! What web site can help you find something you don't have?

Thanks

Wassim

**DaveA** · 2004-01-20 02:46

I use to get these all the time, and the best method that we found that worked, was to reply to the email and ask about this file and what software was used to make it. We were dealing with a lot of files that were coming from different suppliers, vendors, customers and etc. It did NOT pay to try guess what was being sent. Some had used their own "Customized" extensions.

We also kept a data base once we found out what type of software was being used.

**Granville** · 2004-01-20 03:10

Along the same lines as Dave's reply, we had our mail filter set to bounce emails that had attachments without an extension. The return message states that it is against company policy to accept identifiable file types, or similar.

Not sure this policy is still in place as the filter has gotten much more sophisticated.

**Wassim** · 2004-01-20 04:21

<img src=/S/thankyou.gif border=0 alt=thankyou width=40 height=15> Dave

I wish I could do that...

Will clear a lot of trouble right away, unfortunately <img src=/S/bagged.gif border=0 alt=bagged width=22 height=22>we can't.

Wassim

**Wassim** · 2004-01-20 04:24

<img src=/S/thankyou.gif border=0 alt=thankyou width=40 height=15> Grabville

Then I should send you the same reply I sent to Dave <img src=/S/evilgrin.gif border=0 alt=evilgrin width=15 height=15> <img src=/S/grin.gif border=0 alt=grin width=15 height=15> <img src=/S/eyeout.gif border=0 alt=eyeout width=15 height=15> <img src=/S/drop.gif border=0 alt=drop width=23 height=23>

unfortunately we can't simply ask for better treatment. Some of the files we are luck to get.

Wassim

**DaveA** · 2004-01-20 21:54

What kind in information (data) are these people sending that you can NOT request a better copy of the submitted file?

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