How to show hidden files in
Windows Vista
Windows Vista changed the location where you can modify the folder and file
display settings. While before you could access these settings within any folder,
in Windows Vista you need to use the Folder Options control
panel in order to modify how folders, and the files in them, are displayed.
To enable the viewing of hidden and protected system files in
Windows Vista please follow these steps:
- Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
- Click on the Start button. This is the small round button with the Windows
flag in the lower left corner.
- Click on the Control Panel menu option.
- When the control panel opens you can either be in Classic View
or Control Panel Home view:
If you are in the Classic View do the following:
- Double-click on the Folder Options icon.
- Click on the View tab.
- Go to step 5.
If you are in the Control Panel Home view do the following:
- Click on the Appearance and Personalization link.
- Click on Show Hidden Files or Folders.
- Go to step 5.
- 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 extensions for
known file types.
- Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating
system files. Once this is done, your Folder Options screen should
look similar to the following image.
- Press the Apply button and then the OK
button.
Now Windows Vista is configured to show all hidden files.
For those who find it easier to follow these steps visually, then
then please watch our video
companion to this tutorial. If you have any questions please
feel free to post them in our Windows
Vista forums.