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.
Related Posts
- Vista – Desktop.ini Files Shown on the Desktop
- Restore Missing Folders to the Group Policy Editor in Windows XP
- How to Remove Album Art Images Embedded in MP3 Files?
- Fix Desktop.INI Files in Special Folders Using DesktopINIFix for Windows Vista
- How to Access the Hidden Themes in Windows 7
If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our RSS feed! We feature Tips, Troubleshooting information, Scripts and Utilities for Microsoft Windows Operating Systems!
Prefer an E-mail subscription?
I was shorted by :
- autorun.inf AND U9.exeat the root directory of each harddisk.
The given patchs of reg and procedure was very very good.
I repared my three computers-laptops with the same way
Many thanks and Best Regards
Thanks a Lot
That did not help AT ALL. There must be a new Virus loose.
thank alot.,well done ,,but
the problem in my pc solved only for few seconds
and then the file i download not work any more!!!
any comment
Thank you very much for you. I dont have a words to say. Its Terrific. I search many websites and i do what are the possible ways to resolve the (show hidden files problem) i didnt get the answer. But Now I just download and install the (foldersetting.reg) and now its working its excellent and one more thing but i faced one small issue nothing big but after install this now i cannot able to double click and open the drives normally. its opening in openwith mode. But i can able to open in explorer mode or if i directly choose drop down from address bar in explorer its working. Now I’m able to see my all hidden files. Thankyou very much…… Great job…
thanks a million.. i normally get malware as i browse movie sites. anyway once again thanks a lot
YES What a help ….was eating my head since 6 months
God Bless Genius with guys like we can fight this virus makers and spam makers thanks NARESH
That did it! New the problem, just didn’t have the reg keys needed. Thanks!
Thanks a lot
Really was helpfull
Thank you very much! Very helpful