Member Avatar for HOT3

In the "Folder Options" of windows "Tools" Menu, after changing "view panel" to show "Hidden Files & Folders" and after clicking Apply & OK and close the window the computer still doesn't show Hidden Files & Folders. On reopening the Folder Options the Radio Button has gone back to "Do Not Show Hidden Folders & Files". How can I sort it out ?

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A few points to frame the problem described by and the replies from , , , , , and .

The behavior where the Folder Options radio button reverts or hidden items fail to stay shown is usually not a simple Explorer bug — it’s either an enforced policy (local or domain Group Policy) or an active process (malware/utility) that resets the setting at logon. Microsoft exposes a File Explorer policy that can block access to Folder Options and enforce values via registry/GPO. (learn.microsoft.com)

A practical way to separate policy from a running program is a Safe Mode test: if hidden items appear in Safe Mode but disappear after a normal boot, an autostarting program is likely changing the setting. In that case, inspect autorun/autoload entries with a trusted tool (Sysinternals Autoruns is the standard choice) to find what is writing registry values or launching at logon. (learn.microsoft.com)

Relevant registry locations (for diagnosis, not as a first blind fix) include the Explorer advanced keys and the Policies\Explorer keys. The Explorer Advanced values control visibility (for example, the well-known Hidden and ShowSuperHidden DWORDs), while NoFolderOptions under the Policies keys can disable Folder Options entirely — if any of these are being changed at each boot, something is enforcing it. Back up the registry before any edits. (tenforums.com)

A safe remediation sequence used by technicians is: run an offline/boot-time scan (Microsoft Defender Offline or similar) to catch persistent/rootkit components; run an up‑to‑date second‑opinion scanner (Malwarebytes/AdwCleaner) and use Autoruns (or Safe Mode) to disable suspicious auto-start entries; then, once clean, restore the Explorer values or let Folder Options persist again. Avoid running unknown scripts/download links such as the RapidShare VBScript posted by without verifying source, and on corporate machines coordinate with IT rather than forcing local policy changes. (learn.microsoft.com)

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Member Avatar for Suspishio

Depends on the registry policy settings. If your PC is a corporate PC, the Admin has prolly set policies to prevent you messing around.

if this is a personal PC it is possible that a trojan has got to you and placed itself where it doesn't want you to go remove it.

Member Avatar for cguan_77

download AVG anti-virus, check if it will help.. search AVG on the web it's free...

Member Avatar for HOT3

Tried AVG. It has not helped.

Member Avatar for HOT3

Can u suggest an anti virus program that can remove it.

Member Avatar for crawler

Try Kaspersky 7...It is lite and top rated

Member Avatar for Suspishio

If it is a Trojabn, nothing removes it in one go because it is active and the active thing cannot be removed. Circular argument but true.

So please read the first stick post in the Spyware forum and post a Hijack This log, please.

Member Avatar for RahmanS

i can't how hidden files and folder. please hel me for this problem.

Member Avatar for loyd

I have used Registry Cleaner for some months now and it found three bad guys for me. Formerly it was listed as CCleaner (Crap Cleaner). It does work, it is free. Google System Cleaner, Registry Cleaner.

Member Avatar for look_hd

try this script file and tell me if it works

Member Avatar for A_member

a virus causes this, get kaspersky, u should be able to get rid of it with it, if you want to view your hidden files, you can also use Winrar, its file explorer shows all hidden files by default...

Member Avatar for Softix

Windows XP

* Right Click Start.
* Select Explore
* Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
* Select the View Tab.
* Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
* Uncheck the Hide extensions for known file types option.
* Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
* Click Apply.
* Click OK.

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