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Step 1
VIEWING HIDDEN FILES IN WINDOWS XP
Click your Start button in the bottom lefthand corner of your screen. Click on My Computer in the Start menu. This will open the My Computer window. -
Step 2
Click on Tools in the menu at the top of the window. Click on Folder Options in the dropdown menu to open the Folder Options dialogue window.
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Step 3
In the Advanced Settings section, select the option labeled: Display the contents of system folders.
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Step 4
Go down to Hidden files and folders
*Select the radio button for: Show hidden files and folders
Uncheck the option that reads: Hide file extensions for known file types.
Uncheck the option that reads: Hide protected operating system files. -
Step 5
Click the Apply button and then click OK and close the My Computer window. And you are done!
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Step 6
QUICK TIP: You can view the hidden files using Windows Explorer. To open it, click: Start >> All Programs >> Windows Explorer
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Step 7
VIEWING HIDDEN FILES IN WINDOWS VISTA
Click Vista Start button in the bottom lefthand corner of your screen. Click on Control Panel when the Start menu opens.
This will open your Control Panel in “Classic” view or in “Control Panel Home” view: -
Step 8
Do one of the following depending on whether you are in “Classic” view or in “Control Panel Home” view:
*If you are in “Classic View,” then: doubleclick on Folder Options, then click the View tab.
* If you are in “Control Panel Home,” then: click on the “Appearance and Personalization” link, then “Show Hidden Files or Folders.” -
Step 9
Go down to the Hidden files and folders section
*Select the radio button labeled: “Show hidden files and folders.”
*Un-check the options that reads: “Hide file extensions for known file types.”
*Un-check the options that reads: “Hide protected operating system files.” -
Step 10
Click the Apply button, and then click OK. Close the My Computer window.
And you are done!
