The hidden files and folders in Windows Explorer may not be displayed even though you enable the Show hidden files and folders option in the Folder Options. The files and folders can be viewed when using 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 may be enabled.
The above symptoms occur if the system is infected by 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.
Registry Fix
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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thanks very much for your helpful article!
At last!! I have been trawling the web for hours downloading program after program, and at last ur 10 second fix worked. Thank you!
dude your solution worked for a friend of mine but i m still facing d same praoblem. I dnld that file foldersetting.reg and ran it but still no results…i still cant see my hidden files n folders
thank you very much, i have so many data was hidden and never show but now i download foldersetting.reg and install in my pc then my all data show. thank you very much.
bye ugresen . india
Thank you so much! i’ve searched the entire web to find the solution for this problem and finally i found it here…
Bless you
I’ve been googling a lot before I found you. All answers I got turned helpless; your worked!
THX!
Your patch didn’t work for me. Last night I run my anti virus software (AVG) and it did caught around 27 viruses but still I fgace that problem. Any other advice.
CB
thanks alot! its a big help you giys do here in your page! more power.
Hi Thanx buddy
Its working after merging that .reg file
and i can see the show hidden files and folders option
thanks dude,
it really worked, i have another problem that whenever i tried to open a drive on windows xp, it displays a message “open with”.
thanks again