Have a problem and would like to ask us for help? To learn how to ask your question Click Here! Do you have popups or other malware infecting your computer? If so, Start Here! Are you having trouble using this site? Then you should visit the New User Orientation Center!
Windows 7 hides certain files so that they are not able to be seen when you
exploring the files on your computer. The files it hides are typically Windows
7 System files that if tampered with could cause problems with the proper operation
of the computer. It is possible, though, for a user or piece of software to
set make a file hidden by enabling the hidden attribute in a particular file
or folder's properties. Due to this it can be beneficial at times to be able
to see any hidden files that may be on your computer. This tutorial will explain
how to show all hidden files in Windows 7.
To enable the viewing of hidden and protected system files in
Windows 7 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 ()
in the lower left corner of your screen that has a Windows flag on it.
Click on the Control Panel menu option.
When the control panel opens you will see a screen similar to Figure 1 below.
Figure 1. Windows 7 Control Panel
Click on the Appearance and Personalization link.
You will now be in the Appearance and Personalization control panel as shown
in Figure 2 below.
Figure 2. Windows 7 Appearance and Personalization screen
Now click on the Show hidden files and folders option as
shown by the red arrow in Figure 2 above.
Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio
button labeled Show hidden files, folders, and drives.
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 (Recommended).
Once this is done, your Folder Options screen should look similar to the following
image.
Figure 3. Folder Options screen
Press the Apply button and then the OK
button.
You will now be at your desktop and Windows 7 will be configured to show all
hidden files.
If you have any questions about this tutorial please feel free
to post them in our Windows
7 forums.
Have a problem and would like to ask us for help? To learn how to ask your question Click Here!
Do you have popups or other malware infecting your computer? If so, Start Here!
Are you having trouble using this site? Then you should visit the New User Orientation Center!
)
in the lower left corner of your screen that has a Windows flag on it.
