How to: Show all Hidden Files in Windows Operating Systems

Windows 95

Open My Computer.
Select the View menu and click Options.
Select the View Tab.
Select the Show all files Radio Button.
Click OK.

Windows 98

Open My Computer.
Select the View menu and click Folder Options.
Select the View Tab.
In the Hidden files section select Show all files.
Click OK.

Windows ME

Open My Computer.
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 protected operating system files (recommended) option.
Click Yes
Click OK.
Click Start, Programs and Accessories and open Windows Explorer.
Select a hard drive from the left hand side of the Windows Explorer window.
Select View the Entire contents of this drive.

Windows 2000

Open My Computer.
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 protected operating system files (recommended) option.
Click Yes
Click OK.

Windows XP

Click Start.
Open My Computer.
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 protected operating system files (recommended) option.
Click OK

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