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In Windows, it is possible for users to hide some files or folders that they want to have more privacy on. This ability to hide files or folders has been integrated into Windows by Microsoft also as a safety precaution for the purpose of protecting important system folders and files that may damage the system in the event they are accidentally modified. While users can alter their Windows settings to show those hidden folders and files, it is often the case that they can’t seem to be able to reveal the hidden items. The reason behind this often proves to be some virus attacks or malware infections.
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Nonetheless, this does not necessarily mean that users have to be desperate without being able to do anything. In fact, they stand quite a good chance of revealing those hidden folders and files once again. To do this, Windows users can launch the explorer feature built into Windows and then access the Tools menu. On this menu, they will find Folder Options. They will also find a section called View and they need to go there. When they reach the View section, there are various options that the users can avail. One of these options is the ability to hide and show Windows folders and files.
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Unfortunately, this may not always work. If this is the case, users may be able to resolve the problem by using the help of the command line — also known as the Command Prompt. The command line in Windows can be accessed with either the command or cmd syntax.
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On the Command Prompt, users will need the attrib command. This particular command needs to be used with any of the 3 parameters which are -h – to disable the hidden property, -s – to disable the system property and -r – to disable the read only property.
- Folders
However, before PC users attempt to use the attrib command, they will have to make sure in advance whether or not there are some hidden folders or files indeed. If they cannot find any hidden items listed, they can simply forget the next step and not worry about anything. Yet, if they are sure enough that there are still some hidden folders or files remaining that they need to reveal, they may want to go and look somewhere else other than the active directory they are in at the moment. To check the existence of hidden items, dir /ah is the command they will need to use.
If the dir /ah command enlists a number of folders or files indeed, users can start typing attrib -h -s to start revealing the hidden files, one at a time. Or, if they want to save their precious time, they can simply use attrib -h -s *.* that will reveal all hidden files at once. Unfortunately, though, the latter cannot be used for revealing multiple folders. There are no exact reasons known why folders need to be revealed individually.
