Member Avatar for gautam610

Hello,
I'm using window XP,
there is a problem, that It doesn't show hidden files & folders,
when I made a change in folder option menu It apply but it doesn't show the hidden one & as I close the window it automatically sets on do not show hidden files & folders...................................
Is my o/s is corrupted by virus or it's another problem ??????????
please reply...............................
thank you .

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by gerbil

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This is a concise, safe troubleshooting path for the exact symptom described by : Folder Options keeps resetting to “Do not show hidden files” and hidden items re-hide when you open a partition. That behavior is commonly caused by Explorer registry/ui entries or a policy being changed (often by malware), and because this is XP Pro (as noted) Group Policy can also enforce the restriction. See a practical explanation and registry-level fixes. Show Hidden Files — explanation and fix. (winhelponline.com) (learn.microsoft.com)

Quick, safe checks to run first (no file edits yet)

  • If you have XP Pro run gpedit.msc -> User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Explorer and verify “Removes the Folder Options menu item from the Tools menu” is Not Configured / Disabled.
  • If gpedit.msc is not present, check these registry locations for a value named NoFolderOptions and delete it or set it to 0 (export the key first): 
    HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

    These steps restore access to Folder Options if a policy is blocking it. Folder Options / NoFolderOptions guidance. (learn.microsoft.com)

If Folder Options opens but the Hidden radio buttons behave wrong

  • Inspect the Explorer keys that control the View radio buttons:
    HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Hidden

    Restore missing or incorrectly typed values (CheckedValue / DefaultValue) to the expected DWORDs (SHOWALL CheckedValue = 1, DefaultValue = 2; NOHIDDEN CheckedValue = 2, DefaultValue = 2). Set HKCU...\Advanced\Hidden = 1 to show hidden items. Export any key before editing. Practical registry examples are shown here. (winhelponline.com)

If the problem comes back after you clean files (persistence)

  • The recurrence when opening a partition suggests the malware is restoring settings from another partition or media. Boot to Safe Mode, disconnect removable/external drives, run up-to-date offline/bootable anti-rootkit and malware scans, and repair system files with sfc /scannow if needed. Keep scanner logs (they’re useful to experts — as requested) and only edit the registry after a backup or restore point. Microsoft’s SFC guidance is here. (learn.microsoft.com)

If these steps don’t clear it, capture scanner logs and the exact registry branches above and post them — that information makes targeted removal possible.

Recommended Answers

All 10 Replies

Member Avatar for jbennet

XP home or pro?

Member Avatar for gerbil

I think you may have been infected by what was once a simple worm which disables that option so to hide itself.
==Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
from: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html
or: http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe
=Dclick that file, mbam-setup.exe, to install the application,
-ensure that it is set to update and start, else start it via the icon.
Select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan; the application will guide you through the remaining steps.
ENSURE that EVERYTHING found has a CHECKMARK against it, then click Remove Selected.
If malware has been found [and removed] MBAM will automatically produce a log for you... do not click the Save Logfile button.
When it completes examine the log: if some files are listed as Delete on Reboot then restart your machine before continuing.
Post the Notepad log [it is also saved under Logs tab in MBAM].
Check the results.... if MBAM does not detect and delete autorun.inf then please...
==Run a BitDefender online scan: http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html -use the Download button for the 30 Days Trial product; post the results, please.

Member Avatar for gautam610

I think you may have been infected by what was once a simple worm which disables that option so to hide itself.
==Please download Malwarebytes' Anti-Malware
from: http://www.majorgeeks.com/Malwarebytes_Anti-Malware_d5756.html
or: http://www.besttechie.net/tools/mbam-setup.exe
=Dclick that file, mbam-setup.exe, to install the application,
-ensure that it is set to update and start, else start it via the icon.
Select "Perform Quick Scan", then click Scan; the application will guide you through the remaining steps.
ENSURE that EVERYTHING found has a CHECKMARK against it, then click Remove Selected.
If malware has been found [and removed] MBAM will automatically produce a log for you... do not click the Save Logfile button.
When it completes examine the log: if some files are listed as Delete on Reboot then restart your machine before continuing.
Post the Notepad log [it is also saved under Logs tab in MBAM].
Check the results.... if MBAM does not detect and delete autorun.inf then please...
==Run a BitDefender online scan: http://www.bitdefender.com/scan8/ie.html -use the Download button for the 30 Days Trial product; post the results, please.

Hello sir,
Thanks for replying.
I've done all the process & there is 6 file found infected & I delete them. But the problem still same so if there is another solution then please tell me...........

Member Avatar for jbennet

Is it XP home or pro?

In xp pro you can toggle it using Group Policy, xp home requires a registry hack.

Member Avatar for gautam610

Is it XP home or pro?

In xp pro you can toggle it using Group Policy, xp home requires a registry hack.

It's pro......................

Member Avatar for jbennet

Are you joined to a domain or not?

Member Avatar for gautam610

Hello sir,
Thanks for replying.
I've done all the process & there is 6 file found infected & I delete them. But the problem still same so if there is another solution then please tell me...........

There's another problem..................
when I'm scanning it found infected one & deleted them..................
then system is able to show files...............................
but as I open a drive partition it infected again & hide again..........

Member Avatar for gautam610

Are you joined to a domain or not?

No, I'm not in any domain..................

Member Avatar for jbennet

Okay, moved to the malware board. Sounds like the malware is interfrering with the registry/policy settings.

Member Avatar for gerbil

Gautam, I need to see that MBAM log, please... [it is saved under Logs tab in Program Files\MBAM].
also:
==download hijackthis: http://www.majorgeeks.com/download5554.html
-copy it to a new FOLDER placed either alongside your program files or on your desktop and then... rename hijackthis.exe to imabunny.exe
-in that folder start HijackThis by dclicking the .exe; now close ALL other applications and any open windows including the explorer window containing HijackThis.
-click the Scan and Save a Logfile button. Post the log here.
Post both logs, please. I am blind without them.
Did you try the Bitdefender online scan? Post that log also... that scan will remove your autorun.inf trojan if that is what you have.

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