How to Hide Windows XP and Vista Folders

If you share a computer at work or at home, there may be folders you want to protect from accidents or hide from others. Once you hide these folders in Windows XP and Vista, no one can delete or open a hidden folder until you reveal it.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Create a main folder for the information you want to hide. Name this folder and put it inside another folder in a location you’re sure to remember.

2. Put the files you’re protecting or hiding inside the main folder. You can organize the information in subfolders to make it easy to access.

3. Close the main folder. It's not necessary to hide subfolders that are inside a hidden folder because once you hide the main folder. It hides all folders within it as well.

4. Click “Tools” at the top of the window, and select “Folder Options.” Then choose the “View” tab. Under Advanced settings, select the “Do not Show Hidden Files and Folders” box. Click “Apply” at the bottom of the window. When you want to make a folder viewable later, follow the same steps but choose the “Show Files” option.

5. Right click on the folder you want to hide. Select “Sharing and Security” and click the "General" tab. Near the bottom is an Attributes section. Select “Hidden” and push the “Apply” button at the bottom of the window.

Tips & Warnings

• Hide the main folder in another folder that’s layered within 3 or 4 others. If you hide it in "My Documents," someone could open it without to much trouble. You have a better chance of your files staying hidden if you have to open three or four folders to find the hidden one.