How to Show or Hide All Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives in Windows 7
Information
This will show you how to have all hidden files, folders, and drives to show or don't show in Windows 7. These are set to be hidden by default in Windows 7.
Note
When you have these hidden files, folders, and drives set to show, the icon shows as transparent to indicate that they are set as hidden.
EXAMPLE: A Hidden and Normal Folder
EXAMPLE: A Hidden Protected Operating System File
OPTION ONE
Through Folder Options
1. Open Folder Options.
2. To Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
A) Select (dot) Show hidden files, folders, and drives. (See screenshot below)
B) Click on the Apply button.
3. To Don't Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
A) Select (dot) Don't Show hidden files, folders, and drives. (See screenshot above)
B) Click on the Apply button.
4. To Show Protected Operating System Files
A) Do step 2.
B) Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files box. (See screenshot below step 5B)
C) Click on Yes to confirm. (See screenshot below)
D) Go to step 6.
5. To Hide Protected Operating System Files
A) Do step 3.
B) Check the Hide protected operating system files box. (See screenshot below)
6. Click on OK. (See screenshot above)
OPTION TWO
Through Registry Editor
1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search line and press enter.
2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.
3. In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)
Code:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced
4. To Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on Hidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)
B) Type 1 and click on OK. (see screenshot below)
C) Go to step 8.
5. To Don't Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on Hidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)
B) Type 0 and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 4B)
C) Go to step 8.
6. To Show Protected Operating System Files
A) Do step 4.
B) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on ShowSuperHidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)
C) Type 1 and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 7B)
D) Go to step 8.
7. To Hide Protected Operating System Files
A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on ShowSuperHidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)
B) Type 0 and click on OK. (see screenshot below )
8. Close regedit.
9. Log off and log on, or restart the computer to apply.
