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How to Show Hidden Files and Folders

A hapless computer user, new and even the not-so-new, can go half-way-round-the-bend searching for a file they 'know must be there'. Suddenly day dawns - the files are marked 'hidden'. Don't let it happen to you. Here's quick remedy.

Windows Vista:

1 click on the Start Menu icon
2 select 'control panel'
3 type 'hidden' in the search box
4 select 'Show hidden files and folders'

In Windows Vista you can also use the control panel 'classic view' to navigate to 'Folder Options' and make the changes in the 'View' tab, similar to XP

Windows XP:

1 click on My Computer
2 click Tools
3 click Folder Options
4 select the View tab
5 mark the radio button to 'Show Hidden files and folders'
6 remove the check mark from 'Hide protected operating system files'
7 click Apply
8 click OK