Show hidden files and folders - option missing or does not work
Q: Even though I’ve enabled the Show hidden files and folders option in the Folder Options, the hidden files are not displayed in Explorer. I can see the files when doing a search, or using the DIR /A command from the Command Prompt window.
Also, when you go to open the Folder Options and click the View tab, both the radio buttons Do not show hidden files and folders and Show hidden files and folders" are enabled:
Clicking the Restore defaults button did not help either.
A: This happens if the system is infected by Virus or other Malware, which modifies the CheckedValue registry value in these branches:
This ploy is used by many Viruses, so that the hidden file (malicious executable or script) won’t be displayed in Explorer. (REF Google Search Results). Also note that some Viruses remove the above option altogether from the View tab of Folder Options applet.
To fix the above setting, download foldersettings.reg and save to Desktop. Right-click on the file and choose Merge. This fix can be applied in Windows XP as well as in Windows Vista systems.
Reconfigure the Show hidden files and folders option now. Then update your anti-virus software and run a full system scan. And don’t forget to follow-up with a thorough checkup for Malware.
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Comment by Munawar Hussain on 17 April 2008:
Your this advise helped me, and now I can see hidden file and folders, Thanks
Comment by Nimit on 13 May 2008:
Thank You …. for giving this solution.
But this folder setting can’t seen hidden folders in PEN Drive.,
So plz tell me how can i saw my hidden folders in pen drive that hidden due to virus ….