windows 7 quit writing file extentions!

[Narnia]

I have a windows 7x64 OS. Several programs, so far Audacity, Snipping Tool, and Microsoft Visual C++ 2008 Express Edition will sometimes not include the file names to a new file (with c++ it doesn't always include the .cpp extension). This appears to be totally random. The result is that no program will be able to use the file. The problem started about the time I downloaded Audacity and the add on that allows me to save to mp3 format (forgot it's name). I downloaded both from cnet. I have my computer set to show hidden files and to show file extension names.
I have AVG free for antivirus.
I tried running Microsoft's online malware scanner and it wouldn't work.

PS: anyone know how to remove Google desktop without removing chrome? Every time I try and uninstall desktop it also wants to remove chrome.

Any ideas on what the problem is? Thanks

 

[Speedo]

Most programs in their save dialog will have some kind of "save as type" option. You probably got the settings flipped over to "all types" at some point. When it's on that, most programs just take whatever extension (or lack thereof) you type in yourself.

The result is that no program will be able to use the file.

Find file in explorer. Select file. Hit F2. Add appropriate file extension.

 

[Narnia]

Find file in explorer. Select file. Hit F2. Add appropriate file extension.

Thanks, didn't know that I could even do that. I knew I could change the name but I didn't realize that I could also change the file type

 

[Speedo]

Truthfully the file type is nothing but part of the name.