By default, some files and folders are hidden by Windows. These are usually system files that the average user won't need to access. When they are hidden, the user will not be able to find them to accidentaly delete or modify them. Showing Hidden files does not neccesarily show System files. Most Malware hide on your system as system or hidden files, making them hard to delete. You should generally keep files hidden so that important system data is not changed or deleted.
Windows 95 Open My Computer. On the View menu, click Folder Options. Click the View tab. In the Advanced Settings box, click Show All Files. Click OK.
Windows 98 Open My Computer. Select the View menu and click Folder Options. Select the View Tab. In the Hidden files section select Show all files. Click OK.
Windows ME Open My Computer. On the Tools menu, click Folder Options. Select the View Tab. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files check box. Click Yes to confirm at the prompt.
Windows 2000 Open My Computer. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options. Select the View Tab. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option. Click Yes to confirm. Click OK.
Windows XP Click Start. Open My Computer. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options. Select the View Tab. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option. Click Yes to confirm. Click OK.
Windows Vista Click Start. Open Computer. Press the ALT key. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options. Select the View Tab. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option. Click Yes to confirm. Click OK.
Windows 7 Click Start. Open Control Panel. Select the Appearance and Personalization. Click on the Show hidden files and folders link under Folder Options Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option. Click OK.
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