View Hidden and System Files

If the Windows Explorer is using the default folder settings, you won't be able to locate files that are marked as hidden or which are system files or which are within folders marked as hidden. The Windows search utility, which you can access by clicking on "Start" and "Search" won't be able to find them for you either. In order to be able to access such files and folders, take the following steps:
  1. Open the Windows Explorer or just double-click on "My Computer".

    My Computer

  2. Then click on "Tools" and select "Folder Options".

    Folder Options

  3. Click on the "View" tab, and then under "Hidden files and folders" select "Show hidden files and folders" by clicking on it. Also uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)." Then click on "OK".

    Folder Options default settings

  4. When you deselect "Hide protected operating system files, the following warning message will appear:

    You have chosen to display protected operating sytsem files (files labeled System and Hidden) in Windows Explorer.

    These files are required to start and run Windows. Deleting or editing them can make your computer inoperable. Are you sure you want to display these files?

    Folder Options warning

    Click on "Yes".

  5. Click on "OK" again to close the "Folder Options" window.
You will now be able to view hidden and system files. If you want to revert to the previous setting, which protects novice users from inadvertently deleting important system files, you can go through the same procedure to reset the folder options.

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