Viewing Hidden Files in Windows

It is often required to view the hidden files and folders on your computer. The following guides show you how to enable viewing of these hidden files.

Viewing Hidden Files in Windows 7

There is a prescribed procedure for viewing hidden files in Windows 7. First, you need to close all the programs on the desktop. Second, click the start button, then click on the control panel icon to open the control panel. In the control panel, click on the "Appearance and Personalization" link. When you click on this, you will see the option to show Hidden files and folders. Now, click on this option. Again, there will be an option for Hidden files and folders. Select the button that is labeled "show Hidden files, folders and drives". You also have to remove the check mark labeled "Hide extensions for known file types". After this, you also need to remove the checkmark labeled "Hide protected operating system files (Recommdended)". Once this is completed, click the Apply button and then click OK. After completion of this, your system will be configured to show all hidden files.

Viewing Hidden Files in Vista

The following contain the steps to view hidden files in Windows Vista. First, you need to close all programs so that you are at the desktop. Next, go to the start menu and click on it. Select the control panel. Click on the Control Panel and you will see two options here. The first is classic view and the second is control panel home view. If you are in classic view, double click on the folder options icon and click on the view tab and skip the next step. If you are in the Control Panel Home view, click on the "appearance and personalization" link and click on "show hidden files or folders". Under the Hidden files and folders you can select a radio button labeled as show hidden files and folders. Remove the checkmark from the box labeled "Hide extensions for known file types". Remove the checkmark from the box labeled "Hide protected operating system files". Next, click the Apply button and then press OK. Finally, close the My Computer. At this point Windows Vista has been configured to show all hidden files and folders.

Viewing Hidden Files in XP

In order to view hidden files in Windows XP, you need to follow these steps. First, you need to close all programs and come back to the desktop. Next, click on the My Computer icon on the desktop. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options. Now, check the checkbox labeled "Display the contents of system folders". Under the Hidden files and folders section, select the radio button labeled "Show hidden files and folders". Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled "Hide file extensions for known file types". Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled "Hide protecting operating system files". Next, click the Apply button and then press the OK button. At this point your computer is now configured to show all hidden files.

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-By Dominic
TAGS: Windows 7 Tips Windows Vista Tips

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