thecomputersociety.org

Folder Options/Hidden Files and Folders

To work with Windows System Files you first have to be able to see them. By default the "files and folders options" of the Windows Control Panel is set to hide system files and folders.

That means when you go to these areas such as the Windows Directory on C: drive, nothing at all will be visable. This is a safety feature to keep new computer operators from doing anything unfortunate to these files.

Keeping system files and folders hidden is a good option, until the new computer operator gets more comfortable with the way computers work.

To be able to view "hidden files and folders" go to the Start Menu and then to the Control Panel and finaly to "Folder Options". Then Pick the view Tab as shown below.

There are a pair of radio buttons there that offer two choices, hide or show hidden files and folders. If you haven't guessed by now you select show to see them...

You can change that back to "Do not Show hidden Files and folders" after you do whatever it is, that you are doing. Or just leave the setting to" Show" these files. Just remember to be carefull when dealing with hidden files and folders.

thecomputersociety.org