How to view Hidden Files and Folders in Windows?
In Windows, some of the system files and other files are usually in the hidden mode. But it becomes necessary to view these files or folders, like when you want to see the temporary files when you have accidentally deleted a file.
So, how to view hidden files and folders in Windows?
Step 1: If you are using Vista, Go to Control Panel -> Appearance and Personalization -> Click Folder Options.
If you are using Windows XP, Go to Control Panel and Under Classic View, Click Folder Options.
Step 2: Click ‘View‘ tab, under ‘Advanced settings‘ you will find ‘Hidden Files and Folders‘
Step 3: Select the radio button, ‘Show hidden files and folders‘
Step 4: Click ‘Apply‘ and ‘Ok‘
Now you will be able to view all the hidden files and folders in windows. You can identify these hidden files and folders by their dull icon color.
If you are here looking for how to view the extensions of files in windows, check ‘How to Show and Hide File Extensions in Windows?‘
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this may sound weird, but my control panel doesnt have any folder options. nor can i locate it in tabs when i open a folder… under view tab are the following: toolbars, status bar, explorer bar, extara large icons, large icons, medium, small, list, details, tiles, aito arrange, align by grid, sort by, group by, stack by, choose details, go to, and refresh..
there isnt any advanced options
pls help!
I Have the same problem as well there is no folder options in my control panel.
@chrysley abellana, Halim Yared,
First try search option (Start -> Search) and see if you can find Folder Options. If you are still not able to find then I guess you must be using Windows XP. I am not sure what exactly is the problem and why its being caused but searching the internet I found some saying it might be a virus or registry problems.
You can get the registry hack for this at http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm (check no.129). Read the instructions there before and I cannot guarantee if it will work.
P.S. Always beckup before doing a registry tweak.
click on the top control panel home
Well, I did what I have read here and it didn’t work. I tried clicking the show hidden files and folders 3 times but it didn’t show up my hidden folders. I just accidentally hide it and I can’t put it back. Please help!!! Those files are so important to me. :c
Yuka…. there is an easy way to recover your hidden files.
step 1 Click Start and select run
step 2 type cmd in the open and click ok you will get dos command prompt
step 3 in dos prompt type “cd complete path where your files are” example: “cd c:\my files\hidden”
step 4 if above step was right your prompt now looks like “c:\your files path”
example: “c:\my files\hidden>”
step 5 Now type “attrib -h *.*” and type enter
step 6 now check in windows if you can see your files if not than repeat from step 3 onwards
When its done select run once again from start menu and type regedit
If u see an error message than there is a serious problem. Install any reliable antivirus as soon as possible.
if you see the registry editor screen then select find in edit menu and look for the text disable. You might find a key something like disablefolderoptions. If u do then delete this key. Thats it.
BTW you still needs an antivirus
Chao
oohh..I still can’t find the folder options in my control panel..I followed your instrUctions..=’c
Respected sir,
I have windows vista,The problem is my Some Important File and Folder Have Gone In Hidden, I have to Try,to show all hidden File,Thats why i tried Folder option, but not showing in my computer,show hidden file and folder option, its have disappear,Can you Please Solve my Problem, I have Already Mcafee Antivirus Software…I am Waiting For your Replying Email..
Thanks & Regards,
From,
SYED AMIR AHSAN.
it doesn’t helps. i tried it already. i clicked on show hidden files and folders, apply, but after that, it went back to do not show hidden files and folders.