How to Access a Hidden Partition on a Dimension 3000

Dell manufactures the Dimension 3000 desktop computer.

The Dimension 3000 desktop computer uses the Windows operating system. The OS is stored on a primary partition on the hard drive and it is usually associated with the drive letter "C." If you or the manufacturer installed a recoverable operating system, that secondary partition is usually letter "D." However, you might not see this drive letter when you view the complete list of letters in Windows. Instead, you might only see letters "C" and "E," with the latter being a DVD/CD drive. If you need to uncover partitions, you can manually set Windows to display those hidden drive letters.

Instructions

1. Click "Start." Select "Run" from the Start menu and type "Explorer" into the blank field labeled "Open." Click the "OK" button to open "Windows Explorer."

2. Select "Tools" at the top of the window. Choose "Folder Options."

3. Click the "View" tab in the dialog box. Fill in the radio button next to "Show Hidden Files and Folders." Uncheck the box next to "Hide Protected Operating System Files (Recommended)." Select "Yes," if prompted.

4. Click "OK."

5. Bring up Windows Explorer again. You should see an additional partition or drive letter, such as "D" or "E" in the listing of drives and storage recognized by the Windows operating system.

Tips & Warnings

• If you upgraded your Dimension 3000 to use Windows Vista or a later operating system, click "Organize" in Windows Explorer instead of "Tools." Select "Folder and Search Options" to access the settings for hidden system files.

• Avoid deleting system recovery files that are stored on a hidden partition.

References

• Dell Support: Dimension 3000 Series -- Documentation
• Microsoft Support: How to Gain Access to the System Volume Information Folder
• Microsoft: Windows XP: Show Hidden Program or System Files

Resources

• Dell Support: How to Restore or Reinstall Microsoft Windows on a Dell Computer
• Microsoft: Windows XP: Perform a Repair Installation