How to open hidden files and folders. How to show hidden folders. How to open hidden folders

Surely every user personal computer sooner or later I came across such a phenomenon as disappearance some files or folders with hard drive or other storage device. You cannot find them where they simply must be.

In such a situation, most ordinary PC users immediately have only one thought - someone deleted the data. However, their sudden disappearance may be associated with more than just this. Often they just invisible.

Later in the article we will look at the main ways to show hidden folders and files using the operating system as an example Windows 7(however, this will also work in XP, Vista, 7 and 8). But first, let’s tell you why such situations arise.

Attributes of files and folders or how data becomes hidden

As you know, any modern operating system has many features for managing files and folders. These are not only well-known operations for creating, deleting, copying and moving data, but also operations for setting them up. Each file or folder can be assigned a so-called attribute, responsible for certain properties of an object. For example, a file can be assigned an attribute such as " Read only", and the user will no longer be able to edit it, since the system itself will not allow him to do this.

These also include the attribute - “ Hidden" As the name suggests, it will make the object invisible. And if the system is not configured to display such objects, the user will not see elements hidden in this way.

Making files or folders invisible is quite simple. To do this you just need to go to properties the desired object and assign this attribute to it.

Let's try:

This suggests conclusion - Any user can make any element hidden.

But if I didn’t hide my files and folders and no one else uses my computer, what then?

If in your case any elements from the disk disappeared on their own, then the answer is obvious - virus programs were at work.

Unfortunately, manage attributes files can not only be used by users, but also any programs. There are many different ones on the Internet virus programs, which, once in the system, can do whatever they want with its settings and data stored on the disk. If in your case such viruses have hidden some of your folders or files, then do not worry - there are more of them can be returned.

There are many ways to open hidden folders in Windows 7. Let's look at the simplest of them.

Setting up the system

Each operating system (including all versions of Windows from XP and even earlier to 10) has internal settings that are responsible for displaying any data stored on the disk and any other media. So, to make files and folders visible, you need to do the following:

This method is suitable if files and folders hidden on your computer only had the attribute “ Hidden" Usually when they are working viruses, they additionally make objects systemic, which will still be impossible to see even if you enable viewing in this way. To detect such files, in the menu " Folder Options"You need to additionally uncheck the box " Hide protected system files ", as shown in the picture:

If you try to uncheck this item, the system will issue a warning that this is not recommended. It's okay - we just agree.

Unfortunately, and it doesn't always help, since some viruses can easily change system settings immediately after the user tries to enable or disable certain OS parameters. In such cases, programs that can “see” hidden objects come to the rescue. One of these is Total Commander . This file manager, very similar in functionality to the standard " Windows Explorer».

Using Total Commander

Finding this program on the Internet is not difficult. Although it is paid, you can use it for free for a while - this is more than enough to see all the hidden folders or files on the system.

To get started, download Total Commander and install the application. After launching it, you will see a window divided into two panels - they display the folders and files on the disk.

Initially, the program does not allow you to view hidden elements - you must enable this function. To do this, open the menu “ Configuration" (at the top of the window), and then click on the item " Setting...».

All that remains is to find the item “ Panel Contents" We go into it and put a tick on “ Show hidden files " And " Show system files", then click Apply. Now the program will see hidden objects.

Despite the fact that Windows is one of the most intuitive and user-friendly systems, questions begin to accumulate from the first hours of operation. The fact is that this operating system is designed for the simplest home use- watch movies, surf the net, print documents. Therefore, many functions are hidden by default settings; to correct the situation, you first need to learn how to open hidden folders in Windows.

"Lost" megabytes

Out of boredom, many conducted a small experiment:

• Checked free space on a dedicated disk.
• Then we looked at the sizes of files and folders separately.
• The result was always a small error.
• Maybe it was an error during the calculation? But you can select all files and folders at once and view their size, the system itself will calculate everything for you.
• The fact is that the remaining hundreds of megabytes contained those same hidden files and folders.

But why hide them from the user? Is Microsoft really deceiving or even using clients for some of its own purposes?

It's actually simpler:

1. By hiding, system files are protected.
2. The likelihood that the user will need to change something in them tends to zero.
3. But by negligence you can delete anything, thereby disrupting the functionality of the entire system.

As already said, Windows is designed for the average user, whose interests do not include programming, application development, or system administration.

How to show hidden files in Windows XP?

Having switched to a new version of the operating system, users quickly forget all the tricks that have served them faithfully for many years. And sitting down at someone else’s computer or laptop, a person panicsly tries to remember what needs to be done. Therefore, for overall development, you should remember the sequence of actions, by doing this you can open all hidden folders:

1. Open the Start menu.
2. Go to the “Control Panel”.
3. Select the “Appearances and Themes” icon.
4. In the next step we will need “Folder Options”.
5. In the window that appears, select the “View” tab and turn all your attention to “ Additional options».
6. Almost at the very bottom you can see the item “Hidden files and folders”.
7. There are two sub-items to choose from; check the “Show” box.

It seems like there are seven points, but all of them are completed in 10-15 seconds, when you already know what exactly you need to look for. Immediately after this, you should click on two buttons: “ Apply" And " OK».

Now, when you go to drive C, you will see new folders that differ from all others in their transparency. They will contain all the necessary files, just be careful while working with them, especially if you don’t have a backup ( saved copy) the entire system.

How to open hidden folders in Windows 7?

The “Seven” can no longer be called the most new version operating system. But, despite this, it remains the most popular, ahead of both Windows 8 and Windows 10. The high hopes placed on these OSs have still not come true.

Microsoft Technical Support states that to show hidden files you need:

1. Run " Start».
2. Open « Control Panel».
3. Open « Designs", then go to " Folder properties».
4. Additional parameters can be found on the tab " View", they are exactly what we need.
5. Find them and select “Show hidden”.

This particular scheme is practically no different from manipulations with Windows XP. But there is always a shorter way:

• IN " My computer"There is a button at the top" Arrange».
• If you click on it, it will appear context menu, in which you can select “ Folder properties».
• After which it is enough to follow the last two points from the previous recommendation.

Most often, the need to display hidden files and folders appears after a virus attack; sometimes you have to literally clean the system manually.

But dealing with the consequences is always much more difficult than eliminating the cause itself. possible infection. So keep your computer secure and keep the relevant software up to date.

Comparison of Windows and Linux

There is an opinion that Linux is much more functional system. Allegedly, all operating systems based on it are better protected, crash less often and are much more convenient to use.

We must understand what is before us different instruments, designed to perform completely different tasks. So first decide what exactly do you need, and only then make a choice.

New and old versions of Windows OS

The transition to Windows 10 was completely free, but many users did not go into details. The fact is that the license is issued for only one year, after which you will have to either refuse to use the new operating system or pay the full price.

If you upgraded from a licensed version of Windows 7, you can only pay the difference of ~40-50 dollars. If anyone is still using XP, it's time to give up their old preferences. Of course, some versions can already deservedly be considered a rarity, but the problem is that not so long ago Microsoft has stopped servicing this version of its OS.

This threatens users with the following:

• Now there will be no updates.
• All further programs and drivers will be released without taking into account compatibility with XP.
• Technical support for any services will refer to your old Windows version in all matters.

In general, the level of that same friendliness will sharply decrease. If you are not yet ready to switch to the “ten”, test the “seven”.

In the coming years it is Windows 7 will remain the most popular operating system.

How to see hidden files?

In order to “show everything that is hidden” follow a simple chain of actions: Start - Panel - Appearances - Properties - View .

In the additional parameters you will find everything that interests you. Including the opportunity show hidden folders. After this, all that remains is to complete all the planned work and return everything to its original form. Still, it’s more convenient when “extra” folders don’t become an eyesore.

Want to know how to open hidden folders in Windows? Or maybe it’s better to objectively assess your capabilities? Without a sufficient level of knowledge when working with hidden files, it is easier to aggravate the problem than to solve it.

Video tutorial: how to show a hidden folder

In this video, computer master Ilya Bogunov will tell and show several simple ways how to open hidden folders and windows files on a flash drive:

Viruses cause all files and folders on it to become hidden. Due to this, users are facing problem. There are files on the flash drive, but I can’t open them. IN this material We will look at just such a problem. Now you will learn how to open hidden files on a flash drive.

Step #1: Find a computer with an antivirus.

If the files on the flash drive become hidden, it means the flash drive has been infected with a virus. It is quite possible that not even one. Therefore, you can’t just connect this flash drive to the first computer you come across. Otherwise, you will put your computer at risk and in some cases the computer may be infected with viruses located on the flash drive. Therefore, first of all, you need to find a computer with an antivirus. Also, before connecting an infected flash drive, you need to make sure that the antivirus is up and running.

Step No. 2. Connect the USB flash drive to your computer and check it for viruses.

Once you have found a computer with an antivirus, you can connect a flash drive to it. Immediately after connecting, open “My Computer” and right-click on the icon of the connected flash drive. In the menu that opens, select “ ” or “Scan for viruses” if you have an English version of the antivirus. After that, wait until your antivirus scans all the files on the flash drive.

Step #3: Turn on hidden folders.

In order to open hidden files on a flash drive we need. To do this, you need to open a settings window called “Folder Options”.

If you are using Windows 8 or Windows 10, then you need to open any folder and on the “View” tab click on the “Options” button.

If you are using Windows 7, then you need to open any folder and press the ALT key. After this, a series of drop-down menus will appear at the top of the window (File, Edit, View, Tools and Help). Here you need to open the “Tools” menu and select “Folder Options”.

After this, the “Folder Options” window will open in front of you. In this window, you need to go to the “View” tab and scroll to the end of the “Advanced options” list. There you need to uncheck the box next to the “Hide protected system files” function and check the box next to the “Show hidden files, folders and drives” function. After this, you need to save the changes by clicking on the “Ok” button.

After these simple manipulations, hidden files on your flash drive will become visible and you will be able to open them.

Step No. 4. Make hidden files and folders on the flash drive visible.

You can also make hidden files and folders visible again. To do this, select hidden files or folders on the flash drive and open their properties. After this, uncheck the “Hidden” attribute and save the changes by clicking on the “Ok” button.

It should be noted that sometimes after infection with viruses, the “Hidden” attribute is not removed. In such cases, the easiest way is to copy the files to your computer and delete the folder.

Additionally. You can also open hidden folders on a flash drive using . To do this, open the command line and go to your flash drive. To do this, simply enter the drive letter and a colon. This is done like this:

After that, enter the following command:

• attrib -s -h *.* /s /d

IN command line it will look something like this:

The execution time of the attrib command depends on the number of hidden files and folders on the flash drive. This usually only takes a couple of seconds. After the command line prompts you to enter the following command, you can check the flash drive. If everything was done correctly, then all hidden folders and files on the flash drive should become visible.

How to find hidden folders

Some of the files and folders in the Windows operating system are not displayed on the hard drive and removable drives because they are hidden. But what if you want to access them? How to show hidden folders and files?

The operating system usually hides system files, the deletion or modification of which can lead to a malfunction or even a complete crash of Windows. This can be called a kind of “foolproof”, thanks to which an inexperienced PC user cannot interfere with the system structure.

In addition, some user-installed programs create their own hidden files. This is all done for the same reason - so that the user does not accidentally delete anything important. Sometimes users themselves hide files, for example, so that other people cannot find them on their hard drive (by the way, this method cannot be called reliable).

How to determine if a file is hidden? A distinctive feature of hidden files and folders is the translucency of icons and names, but only if you have already enabled their display. In most cases it is turned off. How to show hidden folders and files in Windows?

How to show hidden folders and files in WindowsXP?

In WindowsXP this can be done in two ways.

In the first case, you need to go to Explorer (either double-click on the My Computer icon, or use the hotkey combination Win+E). Next, you need to select Tools - Folder Options from the menu. In the properties window that opens, click on the View tab and check the Show hidden files and folders box. Click Apply and then OK.

In the second case, you need to go to the Control Panel (in the Start menu) and select the Folder Options section. Then proceed exactly the same as in the first case.

How to show hidden folders and files in Windows 7?

In general, displaying hidden files and folders in Windows 7 is the same as in WindowsXP, but some nuances should be mentioned separately. For example, the Control Panel section in this system is called Folder Options, and in the View tab you need to check the box next to Show hidden files, folders and drives.

If you want to use Explorer for this purpose, it is important to note that by default top menu not displayed in this system. In order to see this menu, you must press the Alt key. In the menu that appears, select Tools - Folder Options. Next steps you already know.

How to open hidden folders and files using a file manager?

If you already know how to hide a folder or file and do not want to make them visible in the operating system, then you can use any file manager to find and use them. One of the most famous is TotalCommander.

Open the file manager, go to the menu, select Configuration - Settings. You will see a settings window split into two halves. A list of customizable options will appear on the left side. IN in this case Select Panel Contents and left-click on it. After that, in the right panel you will see a list of options, including the File Display block. In it you need to select the first item, which is called Show hidden/system files (only for experienced ones!). To save the settings, click Apply and then OK.

Now you know how to find hidden folders and files in the Windows XP and 7 operating systems. But do not forget that you cannot thoughtlessly change and delete system files and folders - this can cause system malfunctions, and in the worst case, even the need for a complete reinstallation .

On the computer. They are there, but they are not visible.

1. Right-click on the file or folder and select Properties.

2. A window will open. Check the “Hidden” box and click “OK.”

The file (folder) will disappear. In fact, it will remain on the computer, we’ll just hide it this way.

By the way, many users know how to open hidden files and folders. So think about whether it's worth hiding something this way.

How to open (show) hidden files and folders

If there is no such item, then click on the Start button and open Control Panel. Among the icons, find and open “Folder Options” (Appearance and Personalization → Folder Options).

In Windows 10, to do this, click on “View” at the top of the window and select “Options”.

Place a dot on the item “Show hidden files, folders and drives” (below) and click “OK”.

Files and folders that are hidden will be lighter than regular files and folders.

Regular folder:

How to make a hidden folder normal

1. Right-click on the file or folder you want to make normal and select Properties.
2. Uncheck "Hidden" and click "OK".

How to disable showing hidden files and folders

Open any folder on your computer. Click on “Organize” (at the top of the window) and select “Folder and Search Options”.

If there is no such item at the top of the window, click on the Start button and open Control Panel. Among the icons, find and open “Folder Options” (Appearance and Personalization → Folder Options).

In Windows 10, to do this, click on “View” and select “Options”.

A window will open. Click on the “View” tab (top).

Check the box “Do not show hidden files, folders and drives” (at the bottom) and click “OK”.

Note: In Windows 10, you can do it easier: View → Show or Hide → Hidden Items.

The computer has many hidden files and folders in the Local Disk where the operating system is located (usually Local Disk C). This is necessary so that you don't accidentally spoil anything.

If you delete any of these files or folders, even if you just change the name, your computer may stop working or start to freeze seriously. So be careful with system hidden files and folders!