Does removing file extensions protect against viruses?

Avast Business Avast Server Protection
1

I’m developing a website for uploading and encrypting files.

If someone were to upload a malicious file, would removing/renaming the file extension prevent any harm to my server?

Thanks.

2

If you have a program to run unknown files, then no.
If you have a program that runs any file as a specific file (runs .scr files as .exe) then no.

If it is a website for uploading and encrypting files, do you ever have to “open” or “execute” the file?

3

Hi,

No, the files are never executed on the server, only stored. They’re also uploaded in chunks.

4

Then I would imagine that the files can never harm your server unless executed. To be safe, you can rename the files. Is there any advantage to keeping the original name?