Showing hidden files and folders
Sometimes there might be a good reason to access files on your computer that are usually hidden. They might be hidden for several reasons:
- The file might be necessary for your computer to function
- The files stores preferences that should not be altered except by the application that is supposed to use them
- The file is infected with malware, and the creators of the malware do not want you to find the file
But sometimes it may be necessary to access the hidden files and folders to change something or to troubleshoot problems that you may have with your computer. Before you do something big with hidden files and folders (like delete them!), it is usually a good idea to back up your computer, and create a system restore.To enable access to these files:
- Open Windows Explorer (that is to say, open up any folder like My Documents or My Computers or something that will in turn open Windows Explorer)
- Click Tools (you may have to press Alt key to show menu bar)
- Click Folder Options
- Click View Tab
- Click Select Option that says show hidden files and folders
- Click OK
If you now open up My Computer again, you may notice that there are several folders and files that appear “lighter”. There folders and files are hidden (or would be if you didn’t opt to show them).
admin :: Sep.18.2010 :: Windows :: No Comments »
