How to show Hidden files and folders in Windows

How to show Hidden files and folders in Windows 7. Method also works in Windows XP and Vista.

Method 1

Show hidden files and folders using Folder Options.

1. Click on Start Button. Type "Folder options" and open it. Or you can open windows explorer and click on organize (top left) and click folder options.
2. A folder options window opens.
3. Click on the view tab.
4. Change from "Don't show hidden files" to "Show hidden files".
5. Click on Apply and OK.

Method 2

Show hidden files and folders using Registry editor.

1. Open registry editor by clicking Start Button and type "regedit".
2. Locate the following registry:Computer\HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
3. Click SHOWALL folder in the left pane and check if item CheckedValue is present in the right pane and if the value set to it is 1.
4. If CheckedValue item is missing in the right pane, then right click in the blank area on the right pane, click New -click DWORD (32 bit) value if your computer is running 32 bit Windows, else click 64 bit value.
5. Name the item you created as CheckedValue.
6. Double click on CheckedValue item and type 1 in the value data box and then click ok.
7. Close the registry editor and restart the computer.
8. Enable hidden files and folders to see if it works.

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