How to Make Hidden Files and Folders Visible in Windows XP

By following these steps you will be able to make files and folders that are hidden on your computer visible and searchable. Most of the temp files on your computer are stored in hidden folders on your system. When trying to clean up your system, you will want to make sure that you are able to see these hidden items on your computer.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Basic computer knowledge
• 5 minutes of your time

1. 
    

   Start by double-clicking on the "My Computer" icon located on your desktop.

2. 
    

   Click on "Tools" in the menu bar at the top of the window.

3. 
    

   Click on "Folder Options..." at the bottom of the menu that drops down.

4. Click the "View" tab at the top of the window.

5. 
    

   In the Advanced settings window, make sure that the radial button is selected for "Show hidden files and folders". This radial button is located in the sub folder called "Hidden files and Folders".

6. 
    

   Click the "Apply" button.

7. 
    

   Click the "OK" button.

Tips & Warnings

• While browsing files and folders on your computer now, hidden item icons will appear slightly transparent.
• Now that the hidden files and folders are visible, important system files will now be accessible. Please use caution when hidden files are exposed. If you delete the wrong files in these folders, your computer could become unstable and not run properly. Always make sure that you create a restore point and back-up before deleting anything that you are unsure of.

[edwarde]

on 7/7/2009 Great computer article. Thanks for the tips.