How to See Hidden Files in Windows 7

Hidden files are such type of files in your computer system which can not be seen when you explore the folder. These type of files are rather hidden by computer operating system by default or you can also files and folders in your computer system as per your requirement. Hidden files provide maximum safety and security as you can hide your important data. These type of files can also be deleted or modified as per need. Usually Microsoft Windows hides such files that if damaged could cause interruption and distortion in proper operating and running of OS.

Hidden Files In Windows 7:

There are some files which are hidden and can not be seen in Windows 7 by default. Usually you want to see & view hidden files in Windows 7 when you want to fix either a problem or want to delete some file due to any purpose. Microsoft enables you to keep your data secure and safe plus it provides you maximum service in which your significant office/bank/personal/profession/etc. information could be safe from malicious attack by virus and junk.
You can definitely show and see hidden files right on your folder in Windows 7 like you can do in Windows XP and Vista. Before, moving towards the topic you must know that there are following four options related to folder attribute in Windows 7:

• Hide files, folders and drives
• Hide empty drive in computer folder
• Hide extension for known file types.
• Hide protected operating system files

These four options have their different functions which we will discuss here in this article later. Lets look over the method How to See & Show Hidden Files in Windows 7:

How to See Hidden Files in Windows 7:

There is very easy method to view hidden files but the main thing when unveiling them on your folder is that your main purpose with those files. Because usually these files are very delicate as unnecessary changes with them could cause a serious stoppage. Follow the steps below to view hidden files:

STEP 1:
Type "Folder Options" in the field after clicking Start button.

STEP 2:
Click over "View" tab (second tab) in the window of folder options.

STEP 3:
Remove Checks from Hidden files four options.

• Hide files, folders and drives:

Hidden files and folders are such files which are normal and general but can not be seen by the users if the settings are done as such. However these files are approached by Windows under this circumstance as well. These files are not visible therefore known as hidden files. You can definitely change their attribute by removing check from the option "Don't show hidden files, folders or drives".

• Hide empty drive in computer folder:

This feature in Windows 7 usually cause misunderstanding as users think that drives are not completely and properly installed in their computer. When folder settings are done as such so, user might not be able to see DVD drive in My Computer and he could think that there might be a serious problem with OS. Finally, unchecking the option "Hide empty drive in computer folder" will let you to see all drives.

• Hide extension for known file types:

When settings are done with the default i.e: "Hide Extension for known file types", it means OS will automatically identify the files by its type. And the default setting for the known file types include such as .txt file will be displayed as normal "Files" and .exe files are displayed as "Application". Sometime when you want to identify the files not by their icons and you want their complete extensions to be displayed there with, you can fix this confusion by unchecking this option.

• Hide protected operating system files:

These files are known as delicate files which are associated with the operating system. If you want to see operating system files as per your need you can simply uncheck the option and can carry on your work.

STEP 4:
Once you are done with your desired action as per your need you click for "Apply" to save your action and then "OK" to exit the menu.

STEP 5:
You will be able to see hidden files and folders in Windows 7.


Related Articles:
How: Hide Windows 7 Partition
How to Hide Your Folder Completely
Password Protect your Folder without a Software



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