Avatar for Username

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

cannot save as with a different file extension

  • 2 replies
  • 1 has this problem
  • 19 views
  • Last reply by pob707

pob707
pob707

I get an attachment name.xlsx. I want to save it as a different file type, eg name.txt. So I select Save As and TB saves it as name.txt.xlsx. How do I override that automatic extension behaviour?

I get an attachment name.xlsx. I want to save it as a different file type, eg name.txt. So I select Save As and TB saves it as name.txt.xlsx. How do I override that automatic extension behaviour?

Chosen solution

I always show file extensions. It was the Save as File Type I was not paying attention to - thank you! I made it All Files (*.*) and that kept my extension.

Read this answer in context 👍 0

All Replies (2)

Toad-Hall
Toad-Hall
  • Top 25 Contributor

What could be happening....

You have attachment file called name.xlsx, when you clicked the 'Save as' option, perhaps you are only seeing the filename as 'name' because maybe the computer has the setting to not show extensions. Then you renamed by typing the .txt so you now have filename as 'name.txt', but you did not change the actual file type, so it still has the .xlsx extension, hence 'name.txt.xlsx'.

First, see if the computer is set up to show file extensions. In computer search type 'folder' and select 'show hidden files and folders' uncheck the checkbox 'Hide extensions for known files', to force all extensions to be shown. click on 'Apply' click on 'OK'


In Thunderbird select attachment and use the 'Save as' option. Choose where to save the file. Rename the file by changing the extension and also change the 'Save as Type' by clicking on the drop down option and choosing the appropriate file type. Then click on 'Save'. Or save the file to a location first, then change the filename extension.

pob707
pob707 Question owner

Chosen Solution

I always show file extensions. It was the Save as File Type I was not paying attention to - thank you! I made it All Files (*.*) and that kept my extension.