How to Find a Hidden File on the Computer
Hidden files are files that Windows does not display to protect them from being accidentally deleted or altered. However, if you want to make changes to these files, you can still locate them on your computer. They can also come in handy if you are having a hard time deleting certain files. You can locate hidden files on your computer system whether you are using Windows 7, Vista or XP.
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Instructions
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Windows XP Users
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Launch Windows Explorer by clicking "My Computer" on the desktop.
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Click the "Tools" menu on the top of the window and click "Folder Options" from the pop-up menu. Click the "View" tab and select the "Show hidden files and folders" radio button. Click "Apply" to save the changes and click "OK." This enables hidden files and folders to be visible on your computer.
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3
Go to the folder containing the file you want. If you are unsure of the location of the file you are looking for, launch the Search tool by clicking the Windows "Start" menu and clicking "Search."
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4
Click "All Files and Folders" and select the location you want to search for the file in the "Look in" box. Select the "C:" drive if you want to search the entire computer. Click "More Advanced Options" and place a check on the "Search hidden files and folders" option. You can select all the other options under "More Advanced Options" if you want to increase the chances of locating your file. Type the name or part of the name of the file and click "Search." The search tool displays the results on the right panel. Scroll through and locate the hidden file that you are looking for.
Windows 7 and Vista Users
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5
Click the Windows "Start" menu and click the "Control Panel."
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Click "Appearance and Personalization" and click the "Show hidden files and folders" link under "Folder Options." Click the "View" tab and click the "Show hidden files and folders" radio button. Click "Apply" and click "OK."
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7
Click the Windows "Start" menu and click "Search." Click "Advanced Search" to customize your search. Select the location where you want to search for the hidden files and type the name or part of the name of the file you are looking for. Click "Search." The search tool displays the results. Scroll through results and locate the hidden file that you are looking for.
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