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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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Comments

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.

Posted by: Henry at April 29, 2007 5:32 AM

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 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?

Posted by: Smitzz at May 16, 2007 8:32 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.

Posted by: atul akbari at May 18, 2007 2:02 AM

how 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 AM

hey 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 AM

is anybod active inthis thread please?

Posted by: rudran at May 25, 2007 8:01 PM

I 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 AM

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?

Posted by: khaja at June 11, 2007 11:00 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??

Posted by: Mohamed Faruk at July 6, 2007 11:01 PM

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

Posted by: naeem at July 13, 2007 12:19 AM

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

Posted by: piyush at July 13, 2007 12:23 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

Posted by: gbert at July 15, 2007 7:40 AM

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 PM

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

Posted by: Mr.Fluck at August 15, 2007 3:21 AM

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 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?

Posted by: rohit at September 1, 2007 7:05 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

Posted by: king at September 5, 2007 9:03 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

Posted by: tom kora at September 12, 2007 12:07 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?

Posted by: Psycho at September 20, 2007 11:13 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

Posted by: The_Outtlaww at September 22, 2007 1:44 AM

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 AM

Thanks Alot for helping in my hiddon files...

Posted by: Dev at October 26, 2007 8:51 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

Posted by: ravi kant tripathi at November 1, 2007 1:56 AM

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 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

Posted by: lalu at November 6, 2007 7:16 PM


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.

Posted by: Ang Hoe at November 7, 2007 7:26 AM

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 PM

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

Posted by: Fahim mushatq at November 23, 2007 11:51 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.

Posted by: Fahim mushatq at November 23, 2007 11:56 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

Posted by: PedramOnline at November 24, 2007 2:42 AM

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 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??

Posted by: akheel at November 30, 2007 2:49 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

Posted by: Holica at December 1, 2007 2:43 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

Posted by: kiti at December 2, 2007 7:54 AM

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?

Posted by: KC at December 4, 2007 12:52 PM

i 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 AM

All Solutions did not worked, Thanks All The Way,

If Any New Solution Pl Mail Us

Posted by: Umesh at December 18, 2007 9:12 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...!

Posted by: mudassir at December 20, 2007 10:10 AM

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

Posted by: malyaz at December 20, 2007 1:48 PM

i love u guys u solved my irritation

Posted by: tumza at December 22, 2007 9:21 AM

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

Posted by: Bui Van Hau at December 26, 2007 6:23 AM

I 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 AM

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

Posted by: Shoaib Khan at December 29, 2007 5:10 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??

Posted by: nishitha at December 29, 2007 4:36 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

Posted by: Irfan at January 6, 2008 11:33 PM

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.

Posted by: karthik at January 9, 2008 1:59 AM

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

Posted by: sean at January 11, 2008 9:47 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

Posted by: chiko at January 14, 2008 1:50 AM

thanks gbert. Thank u very much.

Posted by: Harish at January 16, 2008 11:46 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??

Posted by: Aditya Singh at January 19, 2008 8:24 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.

Posted by: dr. amol kulkarni at January 20, 2008 8:56 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

Posted by: Kadhar Khan A at January 21, 2008 4:41 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

Posted by: Manoj Arya at January 21, 2008 8:42 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.

Posted by: Davood at January 31, 2008 6:59 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

Posted by: RSatapathy at February 2, 2008 2:03 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

Posted by: Fawad at February 3, 2008 5:05 AM

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 PM

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

Posted by: rezvandoost at February 11, 2008 7:24 AM

man it solved..!! thnx alot

Posted by: shaggy at February 11, 2008 10:25 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

Posted by: vinay at February 12, 2008 12:44 AM

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

Posted by: susruth at February 12, 2008 9:51 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

Posted by: bharat at February 16, 2008 9:17 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.

Posted by: Sudip Nath at February 20, 2008 9:15 PM

thanks outlaw

Posted by: shaiju at February 21, 2008 12:13 AM

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...

Posted by: Sachin at March 9, 2008 1:50 PM

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?

Posted by: inam satti at March 12, 2008 3:47 AM

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

Posted by: sumit yadav at March 19, 2008 11:43 PM

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

Posted by: Wangdi at March 21, 2008 12:55 AM

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

Posted by: tushar at March 21, 2008 11:13 PM

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

Posted by: Ravi at March 25, 2008 11:59 AM

Yes I have tried it its working.

Thanks.

Posted by: Navazkhan at March 26, 2008 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 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 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

Posted by: amit at March 29, 2008 8:11 AM

Thanks dude

Posted by: ravigkp at April 4, 2008 2:22 PM

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).

Posted by: bhaskar at April 7, 2008 10:44 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

Posted by: bhaskar at April 7, 2008 10:51 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

Posted by: Gopi at April 12, 2008 2:43 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 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.

Posted by: gamermediadownload at April 17, 2008 12:20 AM

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 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


Posted by: Shyam Pandit at April 27, 2008 3:06 AM

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

Posted by: Abhishek Sur at May 3, 2008 10:30 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

Posted by: Talal Doghish at May 7, 2008 3:43 AM

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

Posted by: brijesh at May 16, 2008 6:37 AM

I have a lot to say, but ...
Starbucks coffee cup I have a lot to say, and questions of my own for that matter, but most of all I'd like to say thank you for all your efforts on this Web site by buying you a chai!

I do have a comment, now that you mention it!









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