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:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced \ Folder \ Hidden \ NOHIDDEN
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced \ Folder \ Hidden \ SHOWALL

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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68 Comments

  1. Gal
    said this on Sunday, October 18th 2009 12:30 am

    Worked for me. Thanks!

  2. yatin sadhwani
    said this on Tuesday, October 13th 2009 7:33 pm

    its really worked thank you

  3. Albert
    said this on Sunday, September 27th 2009 11:52 am

    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced \ Folder \ Hidden \ NOHIDDEN
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ SOFTWARE \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Explorer \ Advanced \ Folder \ Hidden \ SHOWALL

    why cant i find this two threads even though ive use the solution above and the show and hidden files and folders has been fix

    why?

  4. Honso
    said this on Tuesday, September 22nd 2009 4:37 pm

    Great solution, thanks.
    Solved the problem straight away.

  5. Marcelo Machado
    said this on Monday, September 21st 2009 3:24 am

    Ty, work in Brazil too.

  6. bibop
    said this on Saturday, September 19th 2009 9:03 pm

    thanks a lot for the best solution

  7. Tirta
    said this on Tuesday, September 15th 2009 9:49 am

    It works, thanx dude ^_^

  8. bipin
    said this on Thursday, September 10th 2009 12:29 pm

    this did not work for me

  9. nekuee
    said this on Thursday, August 20th 2009 3:04 pm

    MANY THANKS FOR YOUR VERY USEFUL NOTES.

  10. ashish
    said this on Thursday, August 20th 2009 3:06 am

    thanks very much friend…really works..great help…regards-@shish.

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