How can I display hidden files in Windows XP?

Simple question, Dave: how do I change my settings on my Microsoft Windows XP computer so that I can see every file on the hard disk, not just those that are ordinarily "visible"?

Dave's Answer:

Easy question to answer, but you have to poke around a bit to find the right checkbox to mark. In Windows go to START --> Control Panels and choose "Folder Options":

Microsoft Windows XP (winxp) Control Panels: Folder Options

Now you'll see the basic set of "General" view options for your folders:

Microsoft Windows XP (winxp): Folder Options: General

Note particularly that this is where you can switch back to "Classic" folder views if you don't like the list of common tasks that appears in most folders you open (I generally like them, actually, as they help me figure out how to quickly solve problems, but you might prefer just seeing more files and folders in that window).

What you seek, however, is under the "View" option:

Microsoft Windows XP (winxp): Folder Options: View

I've circled it here so you can see the option, it's "show hidden files and folders". Choose that, click "Apply" and you'll be able to see those mystery files until you switch back.

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Categorized: Windows PC Help (Article 7336, Written by Dave Taylor)
Tagged: hidden files, microsoft windows xp, winxp
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Reader Comments To Date: 169

Henry said, on April 29, 2007 5:32 AM:

There is also a "Show protected system files" option. (To show even more.)

Mine is always ticked since I like to dig around on my system.

Jim said, on May 14, 2007 7:00 PM:

Same, i don't like the idea of having it defaulted to hidden as a lot of unwanted files can hide on an unsuspecting person.

Smitzz said, on May 16, 2007 8:32 AM:

I have followed the above steps but am unable to see my hidden files. When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show".This started happening couple of days back but was working fine before that. How do i see my hidden files again?

atul akbari said, on May 18, 2007 2:02 AM:

i have choose shaw hidden files and folder and hit on apply and ok but i don't see hidden files. so i have check the setting again then i got the default setting as do not shaw hidden files and folders.

rana said, on May 23, 2007 5:14 AM:

how can i show all hidden system and folders in window xp when virus remove the folder option fro tools menue

Smitz said, on May 24, 2007 6:38 AM:

hey atul where can i check for the default setting for "show hidden files n folder" and change it??

rudran said, on May 25, 2007 8:01 PM:

is anybod active inthis thread please?

haile said, on June 10, 2007 11:16 AM:

I can not see hidden files even if I clicked on " show hidden files" please help me.

Haile

khaja said, on June 11, 2007 11:00 PM:

I have this same problem .When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show".This started happening couple of days back but was working fine before that. How do i see my hidden files again?

Mohamed Faruk said, on July 6, 2007 11:01 PM:

I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically. How to solve this??

naeem said, on July 13, 2007 12:19 AM:

hi
dear how can display folder option setting. my system setting of viewing temp, cookies are not saved due to fsg virus
so tell me abt this how can ian secure my pc

piyush said, on July 13, 2007 12:23 AM:

HI,
how can i save my system settings of (show all hidden files and folders) which is disable by fsg virus.

gbert said, on July 15, 2007 7:40 AM:

Add this to registry

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden]
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30499"
"Type"="group"
"Bitmap"=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,\
00,25,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,53,00,\
48,00,45,00,4c,00,4c,00,33,00,32,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,34,00,00,\
00
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51131"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN]
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Advanced"
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30501"
"Type"="radio"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000002
"ValueName"="Hidden"
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000002
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51104"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL]
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Advanced"
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30500"
"Type"="radio"
"ValueName"="Hidden"
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000002
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51105"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000001

Bhaskar said, on August 2, 2007 8:27 PM:

I can not see hidden files even if I clicked on " show hidden files" please help me

Mr.Fluck said, on August 15, 2007 3:21 AM:

sorry virus was Ravmon so u have to
delete Ravmon.exe entry from the registry
thanx

MrWannaHack said, on August 31, 2007 11:43 PM:

I found the registry entry, but what changes in the entries when you change from "Show Hidden ..." to "Do Not Show Hidden ..."?

Also, is there a resource that shows everything in the registry for Windows at what each entry does?

rohit said, on September 1, 2007 7:05 AM:

I have followed the above steps but am unable to see my hidden files. When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show".This started happening couple of days back but was working fine before that. How do i see my hidden files again?

king said, on September 5, 2007 9:03 AM:

I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically. How to solve this

tom kora said, on September 12, 2007 12:07 PM:

hai
my problem is that i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . and when done to do the same ..
the radio button will be agin in 'don,t show hidden files ' what shall i do

Psycho said, on September 20, 2007 11:13 AM:

I have followed the above steps but am unable to see my hidden files. When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show".This started happening couple of days back but was working fine before that. How do i see my hidden files again?

The_Outtlaww said, on September 22, 2007 1:44 AM:

Go to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL

DELETE the value CheckedValue in the right window. (Its type should be REG_SZ and data should be 2.)

Now create a new DWORD value called CheckedValue (same as above, except that the type is REG_DWORD). Modify the value data to 1 (0x00000001).

This should let you change the "Hidden Files and Folders" option.
Thanks to Paul in another forum related to Kaspersky

rajesh said, on September 29, 2007 2:54 AM:

I can not see hidden files even if I clicked on " show hidden files" please help me

Dev said, on October 26, 2007 8:51 AM:

Thanks Alot for helping in my hiddon files...

ravi kant tripathi said, on November 1, 2007 1:56 AM:

hai
my problem is that i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . and when done to do the same ..
the radio button will be agin in 'don,t show hidden files ' what shall i do

Pramod Swain said, on November 3, 2007 10:23 PM:

in foler option in view option when i select the show hidden files it dose not change.So how can i see all hidden files.

Thanking You

Regards

Pramod Swain

lalu said, on November 6, 2007 7:16 PM:

hai
my problem is that i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . and when done to do the same ..
the radio button will be agin in 'don,t show hidden files ' what shall i do

Ang Hoe said, on November 7, 2007 7:26 AM:

Thanks to Paul, I follow the following, and now i can see the hidden file
Go to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
DELETE the value CheckedValue in the right window. (Its type should be REG_SZ and data should be 2.)
Now create a new DWORD value called CheckedValue (same as above, except that the type is REG_DWORD). Modify the value data to 1 (0x00000001).
This should let you change the "Hidden Files and Folders" option.

Protim said, on November 17, 2007 11:03 PM:

Hi,

I just have the above stated problem in a reversed fasion... i.e in my folder option the tag "Show hidden files and folders" is laready checked but the hidden file are not visible... I tried interchanging the folder option aswell but still not able to view the hidden files.... Plz help out....

Thanx in adv...

Fahim mushatq said, on November 23, 2007 11:51 AM:

Dear,
My problem is that When I open "my computer" and any of my drive like "c" or any 1.I can't be able to go back directly even I reinstall my windows copy.dear I m a hardware tech. but I m really worried with this problem,1 time I solve this problem only when I delete all my partitions.Dear I Have 250Gb HDD's in four PC's Approximately.with Pentium 4 processor.If I Delete the partitions the Problem is solve but after some days I found this Problem again although I have world's mos famous Anti-viruses with updated versions.and I assure you that I have not a single virus in all my PC"s please help me....... i m really thankfull

Fahim mushatq said, on November 23, 2007 11:56 AM:

Dear I think you cant understand the prob.whenever i open my drvies like "C" or any 1.this problem occured that the back button does not work,even I reinstall new copy of window and all settings remainas windows default.

PedramOnline said, on November 24, 2007 2:42 AM:

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL]
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Advanced"
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30500"
"Type"="radio"
"ValueName"="Hidden"
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000002
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51105"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000001

----------------------
My Key Was
"CheckedValue"=dword:0

Change It To
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000001

I Solve It & Now It OK

Thx Man

pallavi said, on November 25, 2007 6:25 AM:

thanx a ton for ur help outtlaww.....

i was trying so hard to find the hidden folders...

thanx a lot once again...

akheel said, on November 30, 2007 2:49 AM:

I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically. How to solve this??

Holica said, on December 1, 2007 2:43 AM:

I've a serious problem about my hidden files I can't get them out so I go to control panel but the problem's I can't file icon named "Folder options" in my control panel what should I do?
PS.My friend has this problem as well :C

kiti said, on December 2, 2007 7:54 AM:

hai
my problem is that i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . and when done to do the same ..
the radio button will be agin in 'don,t show hidden files ' what shall i do.

please help me soon

KC said, on December 4, 2007 12:52 PM:

I was able to change "CheckedValue" from "0" to "1" at the first time and display all of my hidden files. On the next day, I hides some folders again and now I coldn't even change the "CheckedValue". I feel the virus has the wisdom to learn what we have done. I can't delete the "CheckedValue", either.

Anyone know how to kill the virus?

anees said, on December 18, 2007 1:33 AM:

i cant show my hiden files , i cant unhide how to un hide .this is any virus problum?

Umesh said, on December 18, 2007 9:12 AM:

All Solutions did not worked, Thanks All The Way,

If Any New Solution Pl Mail Us

mudassir said, on December 20, 2007 10:10 AM:

Dear,
I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically. How to solve this?? please help me...!

malyaz said, on December 20, 2007 1:48 PM:

thanks gbert!!!!!
man u rock
i got my hidden problem sovled
u no many of my friend use to format their pc for these only i hope i will help them in future

tumza said, on December 22, 2007 9:21 AM:

i love u guys u solved my irritation

Bui Van Hau said, on December 26, 2007 6:23 AM:

Thanks. I have the same problem and you helped to fix it

Eashan said, on December 27, 2007 4:02 AM:

I tried the above procedure to display hidden folders but still the computer does not display the hidden files and folders.

Shoaib Khan said, on December 29, 2007 5:10 AM:

Thanx a lot to the person Dave Taylor for his community.

nishitha said, on December 29, 2007 4:36 PM:

I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically. How to solve this??

Irfan said, on January 6, 2008 11:33 PM:

hi
my problem is that i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . and when done to do the same ..
the radio button will be agin in 'don,t show hidden files ' what shall i do

karthik said, on January 9, 2008 1:59 AM:

we are using windows xp sp2 edition,

Now i cannot get my hidden files,

i have already tried that format TOOLS-FOLDER OPTION-SHOW ALL FILES, but the option is not working,
So I need your help.

sean said, on January 11, 2008 9:47 AM:

do you know how to do this on a new mac laptop?

chiko said, on January 14, 2008 1:50 AM:

I have been hit by a virus and now i cant open files in the same window even though the function open files in same window is activated

Harish said, on January 16, 2008 11:46 PM:

thanks gbert. Thank u very much.

Aditya Singh said, on January 19, 2008 8:24 PM:

I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically. How to solve this??

dr. amol kulkarni said, on January 20, 2008 8:56 PM:

Hey guys , i am having the problem of inability to view the hidden files. i followed all the instructions given above. I coldn't even change the "CheckedValue". I can't delete the "CheckedValue", either.the problem persists . please help.

dr. amol.

Kadhar Khan A said, on January 21, 2008 4:41 AM:

I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically

Manoj Arya said, on January 21, 2008 8:42 AM:

hi
my problem is that i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show". How do i see my hidden files again?
please give me suggestion for this problem.my email id is mkarya.eng05@gmail.com

Davood said, on January 31, 2008 6:59 AM:

Thank you Ang Hoe, i was facing the same problem(even after sellecting show hidden files option, i was not able to see hidden files) since 2 weeks. your information solved my problem. i edited registry. now its working fine! once again thanks.

RSatapathy said, on February 2, 2008 2:03 AM:

Thanks a ton to The_Outtlaww for his following valuable post:
Go to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL

DELETE the value CheckedValue in the right window. (Its type should be REG_SZ and data should be 2.)

Now create a new DWORD value called CheckedValue (same as above, except that the type is REG_DWORD). Modify the value data to 1 (0x00000001).

This should let you change the "Hidden Files and Folders" option.
Thanks to Paul in another forum related to Kaspersky

Fawad said, on February 3, 2008 5:05 AM:

Hi dear
When I want to delete this entery (CheckedValue ) but can't after I deleted and refresh the windows it just appear back any solution for it so far? Or even I can't change its binnary.

Thanks for your quick assistance
Fawad
Herat
Afghanistan

Andre said, on February 8, 2008 4:42 PM:

Cant delete CheckedValue, it appears again with the "0" value and also is type DWORD, cant modify it either.

rezvandoost said, on February 11, 2008 7:24 AM:

I had the same problem (I couldn't see my hidden file when I active in folder option it return to "Do not show hidden file" automaticly) so by Regedit you should do like this: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL

Correct the value CheckedValue in the right window to 1.
happy Rezvandoost

shaggy said, on February 11, 2008 10:25 AM:

man it solved..!! thnx alot

vinay said, on February 12, 2008 12:44 AM:

I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically. How to solve this

susruth said, on February 12, 2008 9:51 PM:

Hi there,
I have a BIG Problem,

I need to delete this entry (CheckedValue 0) to change it to (CheckedValue 1) but i can't do that, It says an file already exists and cannot create in the same name, Even after I delete and press the refresh the windows it just appear back .

Please HELP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks for all your help

Regards
Susruth

bharat said, on February 16, 2008 9:17 PM:

my problem is same as manoj i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show". How do i see my hidden files again?
please give me suggestion for this problem
bharat.rathii@gmail.com

Sudip Nath said, on February 20, 2008 9:15 PM:

My question is that I can not see hidden files even if I clicked on " show hidden files" .

Now it is solved. Thanks a lot.

shaiju said, on February 21, 2008 12:13 AM:

thanks outlaw

Sachin said, on March 9, 2008 1:50 PM:

Thanks PedramOnline ur suggestion really worked...i can see my hidden file and folders now..otherwise i was planing to format my disk and reinstall XP..thanks a lot...

inam satti said, on March 12, 2008 3:47 AM:

i delete CheckedValue but when i am about to create a re_dword it says it already exists will i be able to see my hidden files again?

sumit yadav said, on March 19, 2008 11:43 PM:

I am unable to view Hidden file in windows xp even when i give 'show hidden files in folder option'.When i return folder option second time, i see the option 'do not show hidden file' is enable automatically. How to solve this

Wangdi said, on March 21, 2008 12:55 AM:

my problem is that i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show". How do i see my hidden files again?
please give me suggestion for this problem.my email id is njel_ongdee@yahoo.com

tushar said, on March 21, 2008 11:13 PM:

i cant see my hidden files and folders.. plz help me to solve the problem

Ravi said, on March 25, 2008 11:59 AM:

thnxxxxxx a ton it solved my problem!!!!!!

Navazkhan said, on March 26, 2008 2:49 AM:

Yes I have tried it its working.

Thanks.

amit said, on March 29, 2008 8:08 AM:

i am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give show hidden files in folder options when i return to the folder option second time, i see the option do not show hidden files is enabled automatically pls help me to sort out this problem

amit said, on March 29, 2008 8:11 AM:

i am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give show hidden files in folder options when i return to the folder option second time, i see the option do not show hidden files is enabled automatically pls help

ravigkp said, on April 4, 2008 2:22 PM:

Thanks dude

bhaskar said, on April 7, 2008 10:44 AM:

I followed the following, but still unable to see the hidden file
Go to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
DELETE the value CheckedValue in the right window. (Its type should be REG_SZ and data should be 2.)
Now create a new DWORD value called CheckedValue (same as above, except that the type is REG_DWORD). Modify the value data to 1 (0x00000001).

bhaskar said, on April 7, 2008 10:51 AM:

hai
i am unable to see hidden files.if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok it is unable to view hidden files . When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show". i have tried
regedit\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
but the checked value remains to be 0.
how to solve this problem

Gopi said, on April 12, 2008 2:43 AM:

my problem is also that i can't see my hidden files
and if i click the option 'show all hidden files' after clicking ok .it is unable to view hidden files . When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show". How do i see my hidden files again?
please give me suggestion for this problem.my email id is gopipranav@yahoo.com

gamermediadownload said, on April 17, 2008 12:20 AM:

"i am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give show hidden files in folder options when i return to the folder option second time, i see the option do not show hidden files is enabled automatically pls help me to sort out this problem"
^^amit. It will not change unless you click on "apply" after editing the options in windows explorer. It's odd though the way that works, the same thing happened to me once.

bishant said, on April 26, 2008 4:17 AM:

i tried the solution but it still didn't work still it donot show hidden files

Shyam Pandit said, on April 27, 2008 3:06 AM:

Dear sir,

I have a problem to open the hidden files in windows xp and i think the operating systen is totally effected by the viruses like isetup.exe,kinza.exe,boot.vbs and others,so please give me a exact procedure to remove this viruses and open my hidden documents.

Thinking,
Shyam Pandit

Abhishek Sur said, on May 3, 2008 10:30 AM:

Hey registry change worked for me...... very nice post buddy... Good help...

Talal Doghish said, on May 7, 2008 3:43 AM:

I am unable to view the hidden files in xp even when i give "show hidden files in folder options" . When i return to the folder options second time, I see the option "do not show hidden files" is enabled automatically

brijesh said, on May 16, 2008 6:37 AM:

problem not solve can't show hidden files
don't show files and folder on drive D:

Nikhil said, on May 20, 2008 1:08 AM:

Thanks a tonn!!! I got back all my saved work. You saved me 3 years worth data.

Dr. Jim said, on May 25, 2008 9:21 AM:

hi. i have changed the registry data for CHECKED VALUE from 0 to 1. However, when i try to show hidden files, my computer won't show the hidden files. when i check the registry data, the value has reverted back from 1 to 0. can someone help me out here? thanks

Angel EYES said, on May 31, 2008 5:48 PM:

I noticed today that I have the same problem of not beeing able to view hidden files anymore. I have Norton 360 and I can't remember how I caught this ugly virus. Maybe through sharing files with my friends with USB pen drive...
I hope a solution that works will come up.
Right know I'm testing my VAIO hard drive, just in case it could be a file error, but I doubt.

Bhanu chhabra said, on June 2, 2008 12:28 PM:

Hey that registry trick worked for me

thanks at 12:00 mid night :-)

Navin Kumar said, on June 3, 2008 1:04 AM:

Dear Sir,

I hide one folder, but when we want to see this folder it is not displayed. I give one path.
Tools - folder options - view - show hidden files and folders - Apply - OK
but when we click OK then by default select "do not show hidden files and folder". Folder is not displayed. please give me perfect solution.

Navin Kumar
IIT Roorkee

Sanjay Jha said, on June 4, 2008 8:27 AM:

it now allowing to change the dword value to 1.

after giving the value 1. when i click on ok button. it automatically chaged to 2..

Vinod Singh said, on June 5, 2008 11:29 PM:

What we can, when this opetion work not properly.
I use this option but after apply the show hidden file & folder done ok, then out of the window, after that we againg go their, we shaw no change their, all settings are as usaual. Please tell me what can we do, in this case. ITS URGENT.

Alpesh said, on June 12, 2008 8:30 AM:

dear all
i have found a MALWARE in my computer with the scanning of the Antiviruses.

But no one is capable to Remove that malware

pls help me.
regards
Alpesh

rajat said, on June 14, 2008 1:39 PM:

changing the registry value to 1 worked!!i had been plagued by this problem for a long time. thanks....

PejA said, on July 16, 2008 9:54 AM:

Dear sir,

My pc seems to be infected by a virus running from the registry. I can't view my hidden files nor can I edit the regisry to view the said files. I think I know what the virus is and where it could be found, only when I try to delete it I couldn't, it seems to be stopping me from deleting it. Is there any way you could help me?

Seydzh said, on July 27, 2008 6:45 PM:

i have reinstalled windows and changed the registry after i reinstalled windows and same thing, the registry just goes back to how it was as soon as i close the window, can someone help me fix this problem, i need to see my hidden files

obh said, on August 2, 2008 4:35 AM:

the norton problems above havent been given the solution yet,, mine's the same here,, i hv norton n got their malware, i cant open c drive, my computer and the control panel.. even the "run" command isnt showed too, does anyone hv the solution for this?

Maverick said, on August 9, 2008 11:35 AM:

Thanks a lot guys

michael trinidad said, on August 24, 2008 10:15 PM:

I have followed the above steps but am unable to see my hidden files. When i click the folder options again, i see that the option has reverted back to "Do not show".This started happening couple of days back but was working fine before that. How do i see my hidden files again?

Draugs said, on August 26, 2008 2:02 PM:

Well.. I just got rid of a trojan, and i can not chouse the option to view the hidden files. HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL <- I even dont have Hidden root , not mentioning the SHOWALL. What should i do? Make one?

lamj7 said, on September 2, 2008 12:06 AM:

Open Notepad, copy and paste the following (text between the two hyphened lines); save the file as "whateverFileName.reg", (don't forget the quotation marks". Double-click this file for adding the content into the registry. It should work. Apparently, the PC has been at one point infected with a virus, malware, or even trojanhorse.
--------------------------------------------
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden]
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30499"
"Type"="group"
"Bitmap"=hex(2):25,00,53,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,52,00,6f,00,6f,00,74,\
00,25,00,5c,00,73,00,79,00,73,00,74,00,65,00,6d,00,33,00,32,00,5c,00,53,00,\
48,00,45,00,4c,00,4c,00,33,00,32,00,2e,00,64,00,6c,00,6c,00,2c,00,34,00,00,\
00
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51131"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN]
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Advanced"
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30501"
"Type"="radio"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000002
"ValueName"="Hidden"
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000002
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51104"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL]
"RegPath"="Software\\Microsoft\\Windows\\CurrentVersion\\Explorer\\Advanced"
"Text"="@shell32.dll,-30500"
"Type"="radio"
"ValueName"="Hidden"
"DefaultValue"=dword:00000002
"HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001
"HelpID"="shell.hlp#51105"
"CheckedValue"=dword:00000001
---------------------------------------------

I do have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but first I'd like to say thank you, Dave, for all your helpful information by buying you a cup of coffee!

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How can I display hidden files in Windows XP?

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