Member Avatar for java_programmer

I have Windows XP, sp-2 installed in my laptop.
I have stored personal file as hidden file and set the properties 'do not show hidden files and folders' on as anyone else can't see the files. But when I tried to disable this feature and enable the feature 'show hidden files and folders' and click the apply button, it is not working. The hidden files is not being displayed. Again when I am trying to see the features, it is showing that 'do not show hidden files and folders' enabled.

If anyone knows about how to overcome the problem, please suggest.
Following are some details which may help:
1. I have only one user in the machine, which is root user.
2. The OS is Windows XP, SP-2.

Thanks in advance...

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A short, practical addendum that fills gaps in the thread and ties earlier suggestions together.

A frequent reason Explorer still hides files after toggling Folder Options is that the files carry both the Hidden and System attributes (a “super-hidden” state) or a process is preventing Explorer from saving view settings. ’s advice to scan for malware is important because many hiding problems are caused by infections; ’s registry approach targets Explorer’s UI flag but won’t clear System attributes on files themselves. For completeness, check both the view-setting and the file attributes.

To inspect and clear attributes without relying on Explorer, use the command prompt to list all entries and then remove Hidden/System attributes for the affected folder. Example commands (replace the path with the actual folder path):

dir /a "C:\path\to\folder"
attrib -s -h "C:\path\to\folder\*.*" /S /D

Explanation: dir /a shows files with Hidden/System attributes; attrib -s -h removes System and Hidden flags. Keep the target path specific (avoid running across an entire drive unless that is intended). Back up important data before running recursive attribute changes.

If attributes are cleared but Folder Options keeps reverting, the cause may be a persistent malware, a locked registry setting, or a corrupted user profile. In that case, run reputable offline/rescue scanners, check removable media for autorun/shortcut tricks, and consider mounting the disk on another system or booting from rescue media to copy data. When editing Explorer settings or the registry, create a restore point or export the registry first. If the registry tweak mentioned earlier failed for , the attrib + offline-scan approach often reveals and restores genuinely hidden items without relying on Explorer’s UI.

Recommended Answers

All 6 Replies

Member Avatar for cguan_77

try downloading malware bytes.. scan your system for any virus/malware..

Member Avatar for sanjitsrivastav

I have Windows XP, sp-2 installed in my laptop.
I have stored personal file as hidden file and set the properties 'do not show hidden files and folders' on as anyone else can't see the files. But when I tried to disable this feature and enable the feature 'show hidden files and folders' and click the apply button, it is not working. The hidden files is not being displayed. Again when I am trying to see the features, it is showing that 'do not show hidden files and folders' enabled.

If anyone knows about how to overcome the problem, please suggest.
Following are some details which may help:
1. I have only one user in the machine, which is root user.
2. The OS is Windows XP, SP-2.

Thanks in advance...

Ans- Just go to start-run-regedit-hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\advanced\folder\hidden\showall
here u find a option checkedvalue
i think it is 0 on ur computer
doubleclick on it and change by 1


And have fun

Enjoy:-)

Member Avatar for pachicoo

Ans- Just go to start-run-regedit-hkey_local_machine\software\microsoft\windows\currentversion\explorer\advanced\folder\hidden\showall
here u find a option checkedvalue
i think it is 0 on ur computer
doubleclick on it and change by 1


And have fun

Enjoy:-)

hi bro i have the same problem. i have tryed your method changing of 0 to 1 but my problem is not solved same as it is cant see the hidden files

Member Avatar for karthickj25

I have Windows XP, sp-2 installed in my laptop.
I have stored personal file as hidden file and set the properties 'do not show hidden files and folders' on as anyone else can't see the files. But when I tried to disable this feature and enable the feature 'show hidden files and folders' and click the apply button, it is not working. The hidden files is not being displayed. Again when I am trying to see the features, it is showing that 'do not show hidden files and folders' enabled.

If anyone knows about how to overcome the problem, please suggest.
Following are some details which may help:
1. I have only one user in the machine, which is root user.
2. The OS is Windows XP, SP-2.

Thanks in advance...

it may be a virus / Torjan that is preventing you from changing the setting

things that you can

1. type the folder name directly on to the address bar to open that folder
e.g. c:\myfolder\hiddenfolder


(or)

Download the RRT tool

1. start windows in safe mode
2. execute the RRT
3. Check the hidden folder restoration
4 Restart.

Remove_Restrictions_Tool.zip (372.16 KB)
Member Avatar for cguan_77

try the suggestion of karthickj25 or download McAfee AVERT Stinger 3.8.0 and scan your system.. :)

Member Avatar for jaisakthi

You just try this software. "Alfa Autorun killer"
I'm sure this will work...
have that hope..

Edited by jaisakthi because: n/a
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