Showing Hidden Files and Folders in Windows Vista

Sometimes it is necessary to show the hidden files and folders in Windows Vista to do some necessary tasks.

Show Hidden Files and Folder in Windows Vista

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

1. Click on the Start Orb (commonly known as the Start button).
2. Type folder in the Start Search field on the Start Menu. Refer to Step 1 on the Image below.
3. The Programs in the Start Menu in the left pane will populate. "Folder Options" should appear. Click Folder Options (Step2) to launch the Internet Properties control panel. Refer to Image below.

    

4. The Folder Options applet should appear. Click the View tab. Refer to Image below.

    

5. In the Advance settings: box located and enable Show hidden files and folders. Locate and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (recommended). Refer to Image below.

   

6. Click Apply then OK.

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

Version 1.2
Edited: May 6, 2012

Showing Hidden Files and Folders in Windows XP

Sometimes it is necessary to show the hidden files and folders in Windows XP to do some necessary tasks.

Show Hidden Files and Folder in Windows XP

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

1. Click Start and then Run….
2. Type control folders in the Run dialog box.
3. Click OK.
4. The Folder Options applet should appear. Click the View tab. Refer to Image below.

    

5. In the Advance settings: box located and enable Show hidden files and folders. Locate and uncheck Hide protected operating system files (recommended). Refer to Image below.

   

6. Click Apply then OK.

NOTE

To enlarge the images, simply click on the images you would like to view. With Internet Explorer 7, you can right-click on the image to select Open in New Tab.

Version 1.2
Edited: May 4, 2012