Windows, by default, has some hidden files and hidden folders that aren’t visible in Windows Explorer or My Computer. Commonly, these hidden files are system files and user preferences. By hiding them so that they are not visible to the user, Windows protect these critical files from being deleted or modified accidentally.
However, many viruses, hijackers, trojans, spyware and other forms of malware will similarly use this functionality to conceal their presence from the unaware user. This also makes it difficult or impossible to detect and delete them. It may occasionally be necessary to remove this malware manually, in which case you will first need to make these hidden and protected files visible.
Read on to learn how to configure a Windows ME and Windows 2000 PC to show all hidden files and folders:
Showing Hidden Files For Windows ME and Windows 2000
- Close or minimize any programs that are open to get to the desktop. Double click on the My Computer icon.
- Click on the Toolsmenu in the My Computer dialogue window that opens, and then select Folder Options.
- In the new window that opens, click on the View tab. Go to the Hidden files and folders section.
- Select the radio button that is labeled as: Show hidden files and folders.
- Un-check the check marks for these two options: Hide file extensions for known file types and Hide protected operating system files.
- Click on the Applybutton and then click OK.
- Close the My Computer dialog window.
The Windows ME or Windows 2000 PC is now configured to show all of its hidden files and folders.
How to Disable Viewing of Hidden System Files and Folders
After the troubleshooting tasks are complete, it is easy to once again disable viewing of hidden files by reversing the process. To do this, follow the steps below:
- Complete Step #1 through Step #4 above
- De-select the radio button that is labeled: Show hidden files and folders.
- Un-check the check boxes labeled: Hide file extensions for known file types and Hide protected operating system files respectively.
- Click on the Apply button and then click OK.
- Close the My Computer dialog window.
The Windows ME or Windows 2000 PC is now configured to hide all your hidden files once more.
Quick Tips
- Showing these hidden system or program files can also come in handy if, for example, all the data has been deleted from a floppy disk, but the floppy’s Properties still indicate that there is still 100K disc space that’s being used up by hidden files.
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