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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"? 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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(Article 7336,
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Tagged: hidden files, microsoft windows xp, winxp Previous: How do I display latest postings in WordPress? Next: How many Friday the 13ths are there in a given year? Reader Comments To Date: 169Jim 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 piyush said, on July 13, 2007 12:23 AM:
HI, 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] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN] [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL] 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 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 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: 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. 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 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 Ang Hoe said, on November 7, 2007 7:26 AM:
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, 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] ---------------------- Change It To 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? kiti said, on December 2, 2007 7:54 AM:
hai 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, malyaz said, on December 20, 2007 1:48 PM:
thanks gbert!!!!! 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 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, 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 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: 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. Fawad said, on February 3, 2008 5:05 AM:
Hi dear Thanks for your quick assistance 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. 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 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 bharat said, on February 16, 2008 9:17 PM:
my problem is same as manoj i can't see my hidden files 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 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 bhaskar said, on April 7, 2008 10:51 AM:
hai Gopi said, on April 12, 2008 2:43 AM:
my problem is also that i can't see my hidden files 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" 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,
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 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... Bhanu chhabra said, on June 2, 2008 12:28 PM:
Hey that registry trick worked for me
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. Navin Kumar 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. Alpesh said, on June 12, 2008 8:30 AM:
dear all But no one is capable to Remove that malware pls help me. 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. [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]
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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.