How to view hidden files in Windows 7

Posted Date: 18-Jun-2010		Category: Performance & Optimization
Author: Raghav	Member Level: Gold
Rating:	Points: 25 (Rs 20)

All Microsoft Windows operating systems hide the system files from being seen by the operator. The reason is for security purpose so that these files are not accidentally deleted. Windows 7 Operating system also hides certain system files so that they cannot be seen when you explore the files on the computer. In this article you will learn how to view the hidden files in Windows 7 Operating system.

How to display hidden files in Windows 7 Operating System

All of the Microsoft operating systems hide some system files from being seen when the user explores his computer. This is for the security reason so that these files are not deleted permanently by the user accidentally.

Windows 7 Operating System also hides certain system files so that these files are not visible to the user when exploring the computer. These hidden files are Windows 7 System files which could cause problem with proper operation of the computer if deleted.

But it is possible for a user to view the hidden files or set some files as hidden files just by enabling the hidden attributes for a particular file or a folder's properties. Some times it is required to view the hidden files on the computer. Follow the given steps below to view hidden files in Windows 7.

First Close all the programs that are running

Now click on the Start button which is located at the lower left corner of your screen

Now click on the Control Panel menu option.

When the control panel opens, you will see a screen which is similar to the one shown below

Now click on the Appearance and Personalization link

Now you will see the Appearance and Personalization Control panel as shown below

Appearance and Personalization Control Panel in Windows 7

Now you have to click on Show hidden files and folders option as shown above by the red arrow.

Select the radio button labeled "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" under the Hidden files and folders section.

Next you have to remove the check mark from the check box labeled "Hide extensions" for known file types

Next you have to remove the check mark from the check box labeled "Hide protected operating system files"

Once you do this, the folder options screen should like similar to the one shown below.

Folder Options in Wndows 7

Now press the Apply button and OK button. After this you will be able to view all the hidden files.

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