How to Open Show Hidden Files and Folders

Certain files and folders are assigned the Hidden attribute by default. You can choose to display these hidden files and folders. You can also display file extensions for common file types, such as .txt or .htm. With Folder Options, you can specify how your folders function and how content is displayed.

To display hidden files and folders in Folder Options using Control Panel:

1. Click Start, and then click Control Panel.
2. Double-click Folder Options.
3. On the View tab, under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders.

Notes:
Hidden files and folders will appear dimmed to indicate they are not typical items. Usually, hidden files are program or system files that should not be deleted or changed. To display other hidden files, clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box. If you want to see all file name extensions, clear or uncheck the Hide extensions for known file types check box.

To display hidden files and folders in Folder Options using My Computer or My Documents:

1. Double-Click My Computer or My Documents icon on desktop.
2. From the main menu select Folder Options.
3. Then Click the View Tab.
4. Then click Show hidden files and folders.
5. To display other hidden files.
6. Then uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).

To display hidden files and folders in Folder Options using Windows Explorer:

1. Click Start, then Programs/All Programs, then Accessories, then click Windows Explorer.
2. From the main menu select Folder Options.
3. Then Click the View Tab.
4. Then click Show hidden files and folders.
5. To display other hidden files.
6. Then uncheck Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).