can I name an XML file as a Config file and treat it as such?

Can I create an XML file, give it a ".config" filename extension and then use it like a .NET config file? Example would by myFile.config.
It is a discouraged practice to write to the App.config file so I can't do that.
You see I am writing a Windows form application and need to be able to read and write settings to an XML file. The Settings.settings approach is too clunky as I need the file to be read from note pad. So that is why I was thinking of an XML file.
Bob
 
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