XP/2000: How to View (and remove) Hidden Files and Folders

Contributor Icon Contributed by davak Date Icon September 15, 2004  
Tag Icon Tagged: Windows

This tutorials shows the user how to view and delete the hidden files and folders on a microsoft windows system.


A good reason exists for hiding system files and folders. Changing or removing these files can corrupt a system so windows hides these from view. The problem with this is that spyware and malware are now using this technique to prevent removal.

Here’s how to view hidden files and folders:

    1. Open explorer or My Computer
    2. Click the Tools menu
    3. Click Folder Options
    4. Click the View tab
    5. Click Show Hidden Files and Folders
    6. Unclick Hide protected operating system files.
    7. Click OK

Now you should be able to view, edit, or delete any file or folder on your system. Don’t remove anything that you do not know what it is. If you are extra cautious, you can return to the folder options and hide these files again once you are finished.

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  • Patty
    well I try it, and it worked, thank you very much but how can I have the cover disks too, because they do not appear when i open i tunes
  • Prashant
    Its not working
  • happy
    this is the best reciepe i have ever seen in my life. it realy helped me a LOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  • dsfdd
    No, you can see the "faded' folder, but can't remove the goddamn thing. Idiot.
  • Here’s how to view hidden files and folders with its 7 options does not apply to files and folders hidden by rootkits or trojans. Do you know how to delete those?
  • somebody
    it wont work i tried over and over again but wont work
  • williamlevin
    I tried to do as suggested, but it refused to delete--said access denied, sidk either full or write protected. This was not intentionally downloaded.

    Any further suggestions, please?
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