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"? 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":  Now you'll see the basic set of "General" view options for your folders:  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:  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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Never miss another useful Q&A article again! Subscribe to AskDaveTaylor with Google Reader. There is also a "Show protected system files" option. (To show even more.) 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. Posted by: Jim at May 14, 2007 7:00 PMI 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? Posted by: Smitzz at May 16, 2007 8:32 AMi 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. Posted by: atul akbari at May 18, 2007 2:02 AMhow can i show all hidden system and folders in window xp when virus remove the folder option fro tools menue Posted by: rana at May 23, 2007 5:14 AMhey atul where can i check for the default setting for "show hidden files n folder" and change it?? Posted by: Smitz at May 24, 2007 6:38 AMis anybod active inthis thread please? Posted by: rudran at May 25, 2007 8:01 PMI can not see hidden files even if I clicked on " show hidden files" please help me. Haile Posted by: haile at June 10, 2007 11:16 AMI 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? 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?? Posted by: Mohamed Faruk at July 6, 2007 11:01 PMhi HI, Add this to registry Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00 [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL] I can not see hidden files even if I clicked on " show hidden files" please help me Posted by: Bhaskar at August 2, 2007 8:27 PMsorry virus was Ravmon so u have to 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? Posted by: MrWannaHack at August 31, 2007 11:43 PMI 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? 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 Posted by: king at September 5, 2007 9:03 AMhai 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? Posted by: Psycho at September 20, 2007 11:13 AMGo to the following registry key: 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. I can not see hidden files even if I clicked on " show hidden files" please help me Posted by: rajesh at September 29, 2007 2:54 AMThanks Alot for helping in my hiddon files... Posted by: Dev at October 26, 2007 8:51 AMhai 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 Posted by: Pramod Swain at November 3, 2007 10:23 PMhai
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... Posted by: Protim at November 17, 2007 11:03 PMDear, 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. Posted by: Fahim mushatq at November 23, 2007 11:56 AM[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL] ---------------------- Change It To I Solve It & Now It OK Thx Man thanx a ton for ur help outtlaww..... i was trying so hard to find the hidden folders... thanx a lot once again... Posted by: pallavi at November 25, 2007 6:25 AMI 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?? Posted by: akheel at November 30, 2007 2:49 AMI'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? hai please help me soon Posted by: kiti at December 2, 2007 7:54 AMI 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? Posted by: KC at December 4, 2007 12:52 PMi cant show my hiden files , i cant unhide how to un hide .this is any virus problum? Posted by: anees at December 18, 2007 1:33 AMAll Solutions did not worked, Thanks All The Way, If Any New Solution Pl Mail Us Posted by: Umesh at December 18, 2007 9:12 AMDear, thanks gbert!!!!! i love u guys u solved my irritation Posted by: tumza at December 22, 2007 9:21 AMThanks. I have the same problem and you helped to fix it Posted by: Bui Van Hau at December 26, 2007 6:23 AMI tried the above procedure to display hidden folders but still the computer does not display the hidden files and folders. Posted by: Eashan at December 27, 2007 4:02 AMThanx a lot to the person Dave Taylor for his community. Posted by: Shoaib Khan at December 29, 2007 5:10 AMI 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?? Posted by: nishitha at December 29, 2007 4:36 PMhi 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, do you know how to do this on a new mac laptop? Posted by: sean at January 11, 2008 9:47 AMI 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 Posted by: chiko at January 14, 2008 1:50 AMthanks gbert. Thank u very much. Posted by: Harish at January 16, 2008 11:46 PMI 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?? Posted by: Aditya Singh at January 19, 2008 8:24 PMHey 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. Posted by: dr. amol kulkarni at January 20, 2008 8:56 PMI 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 Posted by: Kadhar Khan A at January 21, 2008 4:41 AMhi 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. Posted by: Davood at January 31, 2008 6:59 AMThanks a ton to The_Outtlaww for his following valuable post: 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. Hi dear Thanks for your quick assistance Cant delete CheckedValue, it appears again with the "0" value and also is type DWORD, cant modify it either. Posted by: Andre at February 8, 2008 4:42 PMI 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. man it solved..!! thnx alot Posted by: shaggy at February 11, 2008 10:25 AMI 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 Posted by: vinay at February 12, 2008 12:44 AMHi there, 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 my problem is same as manoj i can't see my hidden files 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. Posted by: Sudip Nath at February 20, 2008 9:15 PMthanks outlaw Posted by: shaiju at February 21, 2008 12:13 AMThanks 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... Posted by: Sachin at March 9, 2008 1:50 PMi 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? Posted by: inam satti at March 12, 2008 3:47 AMI 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 Posted by: sumit yadav at March 19, 2008 11:43 PMmy problem is that i can't see my hidden files i cant see my hidden files and folders.. plz help me to solve the problem Posted by: tushar at March 21, 2008 11:13 PMthnxxxxxx a ton it solved my problem!!!!!! Posted by: Ravi at March 25, 2008 11:59 AMi 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 Posted by: amit at March 29, 2008 8:08 AMi 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 Posted by: amit at March 29, 2008 8:11 AMThanks dude Posted by: ravigkp at April 4, 2008 2:22 PMI followed the following, but still unable to see the hidden file hai my problem is also that i can't see my hidden files "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" i tried the solution but it still didn't work still it donot show hidden files Posted by: bishant at April 26, 2008 4:17 AMDear 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,
Hey registry change worked for me...... very nice post buddy... Good help... Posted by: Abhishek Sur at May 3, 2008 10:30 AMI 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 Posted by: Talal Doghish at May 7, 2008 3:43 AM problem not solve can't show hidden files Thanks a tonn!!! I got back all my saved work. You saved me 3 years worth data. Posted by: Nikhil at May 20, 2008 1:08 AMhi. 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 Posted by: Dr. Jim at May 25, 2008 9:21 AMI 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... Hey that registry trick worked for me
Dear Sir, I hide one folder, but when we want to see this folder it is not displayed. I give one path. Navin Kumar 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.. What we can, when this opetion work not properly. dear all But no one is capable to Remove that malware pls help me. changing the registry value to 1 worked!!i had been plagued by this problem for a long time. thanks.... Posted by: rajat at June 14, 2008 1:39 PMDear 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? Posted by: PejA at July 16, 2008 9:54 AMi 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 Posted by: Seydzh at July 27, 2008 6:45 PMthe 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? Posted by: obh at August 2, 2008 4:35 AMThanks a lot guys Posted by: Maverick at August 9, 2008 11:35 AMI 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? Posted by: michael trinidad at August 24, 2008 10:15 PMWell.. 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? Posted by: Draugs at August 26, 2008 2:02 PMOpen 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. [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL] ive tried all the solutions given above.But not solved. Posted by: ravi at September 19, 2008 12:40 AMI had the same problem of hidden files not displayed in windows XP. I tried the reg edit as mentioned "HKeyRoot"=dword:80000001" and it worked. thank you very much please inform me where can i find on my computer the registiry editor? that link that's written to fonish the hidden files virus problem ( HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer \Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL ) where is it? am new in soft wear problems! Posted by: Hadeel Roushdy at September 22, 2008 3:04 AMafter setting view hidden files in folder option i m unable to view hidden files what should i do I have tried to switch "Show Hidden File" but immediately I select, apply and then ok, it goes back on highlighting "Do not Show Hidden Files".I am using XP Pro. Please help Posted by: Emmanuel at November 21, 2008 9:06 AMchristmas is more than over Posted by: arrkkaammeed at January 5, 2009 3:09 AMhv tried everything, nothing worked. wen i edit the registry value, it sets itself back to the same old one. i hv tried MERGING the new registry value that u hv given, but no change. Funniest part is, i hv even reinstalled my windows and hv still the same problem! pls help i'd be obliged if u revert back at my personal email. thanx in advance. Posted by: Gill at January 28, 2009 8:11 AMI 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? Posted by: IMRAN at February 4, 2009 11:54 PMmy problem is that i can't see my hidden files 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? Posted by: praveen kumar at February 16, 2009 10:44 PMI followed the way... but it doesn't work with me aftr setting value 1 it again goes o 0 whts the solution? thnaks to outlaww for the following post.its working Go to the following registry key: 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. i have choose show 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 Posted by: Sudhir Soni at April 11, 2009 12:28 AMthanks to The_Outtlaww 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?? Posted by: zahra at April 19, 2009 8:31 AMThanks a heap. So much of this forum seems redundant, if people just read the posts there's answers. Though, it may be helpful to a lot of people if you walk them through using the Run tool and regedit to find their way through to fixing their problem. I know it by sheer dumb luck. Anyway, thanks again. And if anyone posts the question again, READ THROUGH THE POSTS! Don't be lazy. Thanks. Peace Posted by: Fryzie at April 22, 2009 4:57 AMI 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, 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?? arul Posted by: arulselvan at May 21, 2009 6:20 AMI 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??
Thanks & Regards arul
Its futile.Even the adding the info to the registry failed.wat now? Posted by: Niveditha at June 7, 2009 3:03 PMhi sir... hi sir... Respected sir, well thank,s my problem solve i install new xp Posted by: ohh at July 10, 2009 3:45 PMI 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 Posted by: sannjeev bachra at July 30, 2009 7:49 AMfor everyone who is not able to change the "CheckedValue" or ay registry entry like me ...just try to restore your system to a date you think it was last good using "System Restore"...go to Start and it will guide you.. during the process select a date before the virus entered your computer. hope this works...nothing else worked for me but this..have a great day guys!!! Posted by: David at August 3, 2009 4:42 AMthx bosss I have problem to view my file on thumb drive.. I've problem with my pendrive and i can't view my file even though Folder Option to able to view Posted by: Milary at September 4, 2009 11:19 PMwhen i click on start, control panel...i don;t even have a folder options icon...how can i even find that option Posted by: omar at September 29, 2009 11:46 AMI'm using Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition and unable to see hidden files.If I click the option "show all hidden files" after clicking OK still unable to view hidden files . When I click the folder options again, I saw that the option had reverted back to "Do not show". What I did... At start, run, open REGEDIT CheckedValue REG_DWORD from "0x00000000(0)" to "0x00000001(1) thanks to above guide. Posted by: Lan at November 17, 2009 12:56 AMhi.. i can see the hiddend file in command mode.. but i cant display the files windows xp mode. Hi just fixing a hp lappy with xp home on it. It has had viruses etc on it and im trying to see hidden files but in Control panel there is no folder options and when i click on it through windows explorer it only gives me a FILES TYPES tab only. Where are the other tabs and how do i get them back???? Help really appreciated...Cheers Andy Posted by: AndyH at November 20, 2009 7:34 PMI have something to say, now that you mention it, but ...
I do have a comment, now that you mention it!
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