Show Hidden Files and Folders in Windows 7 or Vista
[This tip is for beginners only] Windows 7 or Vista hides important files and folders from view to keep users from deleting or otherwise modifying files they shouldn’t, but a simple checkbox can change that behavior.
To show hidden files, just click on the Organize button in any folder, and then select “Folder and Search Options” from the menu.
Click the View tab, and then you should select “Show hidden files and folders” in the list.
Just select that, and click OK.
If you are trying to get into the Windows directories, you might want to also remove the checkbox from “Hide protected operating system files” as well.
Note: If you are missing this option entirely, you should follow this guide to restore the option.
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I don’t know if you can help me, but I’m running out of hope, so here goes! I cannot delete certain files and folders from my “Vista Home Basic” that came installed on my new pc. I send them to the recycle bin and empty it, only to go back and find the icons still in the same place, except that now, I can’t send them anywhere. I have tried installing (unsuccessfully) an unblocker, only to find out that there is an “error debug privleges”, so I intalled (again unsuccessfully) “Windows Symbols package” that would not run properly because there in an “error corruption file”. I tried to figure out how to find out where this corrupted file is, but I’m exhausted and would be forever grateful for any help anyone can offer me here. I am ready to throw my new computer out the window and go back to the Compaq I’ve had since 99′!
How do I find and delete index.dat?
Hi !,
I am using Vista Ultimate. Just got rid of Rontokbro.mm virus from my laptop.
I am getting “FOLDER AND SEARCH OPTIONS” greyed out and disabled in the organiize tab.
Even the control panel is showing missing link to the the above option.
I am unable to see and delete certain hidden files. Kindly help.
Aaagh! I have oodles of hidden files which I still can’t see, even after following this advice. Vista just keeps them hidden. If I create a file (say, a csv, which is one of the filetypes) and try to save it to a folder, I can see the stuff previously saved – but it becomes invisible again when I try to find it.
This is driving me crazy. I’m on Vista home premium
I backed up my computer but instead of going to Drive “D” it went int to my hard drive “C”. I am trying to open the files that woild let me remove them from the hard drive but it hasn’t happened yet.
Can you help me.
Thanks
argggh… all those options are hidden. trying to get rid of rontok bro.
Thanx sir this information is really helpful for me.
Thanx again
in the oganize tab, my folder and search options is grey, or inactive or it cannot be clicked.. i tried opening a lot of folders but none still.. i cant open my hidden folders!
tx a mill, help was just 2 the point : )
Hello,
I got the problem like Jim. Could you guys please help me. Thank alot!
i can’t view hidden folders on my computer.i followed the general procedure which u told i knew it already
but even i m not able.please guide me.
@anubhav: Is the option missing? If so see the guide at http://www.howtogeek.com/howto.....-in-vista/
I hid some folders and was able to show my hidden folders. But now the folders look sort of shadowed and don’t appear in my ZoomBrowser (software that came with my digital camera) for editing purposes. Is there any way I can completley restore these folders so it was like they were never hidden?
Thank you so much, this was very helpful! We need more people like you in the world, willing to share their knowledge.
I have the same problem as JIm and loc–Can’t see subfolders that I created. The application (NetObjects Fusion) sees them and I can open them but Windows Vista Premium will not show them in the folder. I have the option “show hidden files and folders” checked.
Same issue as JIm and loc–Can’t see subfolders that I created. The application (NetObjects Fusion) sees them and I can open them but Windows Vista Premium will not show them in the folder. I have the option “show hidden files and folders” checked.
i was defragmenting when my laptop turned off, when i turned it back on is said that my system was damaged due to a bad start or somting like that, i restored mt laptop now all my movies photos and music and files have gone the lap top is as if i got it new. the hard drive is full but not sure how to get it. i really need my files….
Thank you very much..truly a great help!!!
i am using vista ultimate
in my system corel draw x3 is not working what should i do…?
Thanx
Thank you so much this was really helpful
try virtualstore folder (%APPDATA%/Local). seems to store all those files created by non-admin programs
hi everybody, just a quick question…. i got one my personal video which i made in night… is there i can put light in that video… is there any software or somebody can help me out with that… thanks…
gud it worked
I am such a fool. I had a folder named messages in my d drive. It contained all messages from my mobile phone, few recordings, pictures etc. I cut and pasted in the WINDOWS folder of c drive. Till then it was fine. Then made it hidden. The copmuter then flashed a dialog box which required permission to continue the task. After this, I couldnt find d folder anywhere. Help me out. I need d folder anyhow. Though I tried UNDO as well. But nothing happened.
how to delete hidden pbk in vista
I had a virus and did a reinstall of Vista Home Premium but after I was finished my C drive was full and on my D drive I only have have the memeory that I should have how can I fix this.