Common Procedures > Showing Hidden & System Files

Windows defaults to hiding many of the files required by the system.

Showing Hidden files and folders in Windows XP:

1.	Click Start.

2.	Open My Computer.

3.	Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.

4.	Select the View Tab.

5.	Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.

6.	Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.

7.	Click Yes to confirm.

Click OK.

Showing Hidden files and folders in Windows 2000:

1.	Open My Computer

2.	Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options

3.	Select the View Tab

4.	Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders

5.	Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option

6.	Click Yes to confirm

Click OK

Showing Hidden files and folders in Windows ME:

1.	Open My Computer

2.	Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options

3.	Select the View Tab

4.	Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders

5.	Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option

6.	Click Yes to confirm

Click OK

8.	Click Start, Programs and Accessories and open Windows Explorer

9.	Select a hard drive from the left hand side of the Windows Explorer window

10.	Select View the Entire contents of this drive

Showing Hidden files and folders in Windows 98:

1.	Open My Computer

2.	Select the View menu and click Folder Options

3.	Select the View Tab

4.	In the Hidden files section select Show all files

Click OK

Showing Hidden files and folders in Windows 95:

1.	Open My Computer

2.	Select the View menu and click Options

3.	Select the View Tab

4.	Select the Show all files Radio Button

Click OK

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