How does Windows graphically distinguish between file types?

Answer 1

Different file types have different file extensions. This is the three letters, after the dot in the file name.

eg.

*.exe is an executable file

*.doc is a document file, used by windows Word.

*.txt is a text file, opened by various word processors or notepad.

Windows keeps a list of known file extensions and open the appropiate program when the file is clicked on. If windows does not know what to use to open it, it will have a generic icon and will prompt you for a program to open it, when you click on it.

Be aware that Windows can hide the file extensions, so you won't be able to see it in file lists. You can change this.

In explorer, click on 'tools' at the top of the window, then 'folder options', then 'view'. Down the list, you will see a tick box that hides known file extensions. Un-tick it, to see extensions in file lists.

On the next tab 'File Types', you can see a list of all the know file extensions and the programs they are associated with.

Answer 2

through file extensions....

like .exe, .bmp, .jpg

It has icons stored that it uses to show the as when it knows the file extension