How to expose *.lnk and other valid shortcut extensions

this is maddening folks, and I don't know a category here at tenforums that works for the question.
I am having to go through every file due to a really bad problem with copy integrity, so using tools to fetch and order both healthy and damaged files. Links/shortcuts are everywhere in this mess. I really NEED to see the real filename but windows seems to obfuscate links, leading to errors in the program that I'm using to sort the mess [File Locator Pro] and problems trying to properly rename real and valid shortcuts.

edit: the OS is Windows 10 Pro v1909

help pls. Puh-leezze
c

The term for extensions, such as .lnk, not being shown is Superhidden.

You can unhide Superhidden extensions using, for example, this guidance from SS64 but do use RegEdit to Export each Registry Key in .reg format first so you can return everything to normal afterwards.
Superhidden file extensions - SS64
- You can just do the bit you want by deleting all the other sections of the .reg file
- If you are going to run the whole lot then make a system image first

Denis

Glad to know it is sorted out then,
Denis

voidtools Everything will show all shortcut (*.lnk) files simply by searching on that string. Much easier than messing with the Registry, IMO, but the more methods, the better I always say.

HTH,
--Ed--