Cannot view hidden files and folders

[shahbd6]

I want to view hidden and system files on the Windows XP SP2 and for this purpose I am going to Tools/Folder Options/View and removing tick from Hide Protected operating system files and checking Show hidden files and folders
option. But the windows doesn't show me them anyway. I have checked once again view settings and noticed that the system automatically checks the Hide hidden files and folders option.

Is it a virus? I have done a scan with avast, but nothing was a detected.

[CharleyO]

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Are you trying this from a User account or an Administrator account?


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[shahbd6]

Hi! Thanks for your interest.

I am trying to view from an administrator account.

[DavidR]

It could be malware trying to protect its payload.

I can't recall how to restore this using the edit registry, you could try a google search for restore hidden files in registry. http://www.google.com/search?q=restore+hidden+files+in+registry this is just one, http://v2.tlab404.com/articles/detail.asp?iFaq=198&iType=13 and another http://www.kellys-korner-xp.com/xp_tweaks.htm entry 155.

[shahbd6]

hi! DavidR
Thanks for your suggestion and I have tried all the sites you have suggested. But....... the files still remain hidden. HELP!!!!!!

[DavidR]

I'm sorry that was all I could think of at the time. Now SuperAntiSpyware (http://www.superantispyware.com) has some repair functions. From the Preferences button, Repairs tab and there is one which might do the trick (Remove Explorer Policy Restrictions), but I honestly don't know exactly what it does, so there could be a risk involved. Read the Description of the repair, especially the bit about administrators if you don't have an administrator setting any restrictions it might not be so bad, unfortunately I don't know of any legitimate software that may apply restrictions.

I would suggest you do a google search for Remove Explorer Policy Restrictions and see what that brings and only when you are sure try it.

Also see, anti-rootkit, detection, removal & protection http://www.antirootkit.com/software/index.htm. Try these as they are some of the more efficient and user friendly anti-rootkit tools.
- Panda Rootkit Cleaner - http://research.pandasoftware.com/blogs/images/AntiRootkit.zip.
- AVG Anti-Rootkit http://free.grisoft.com/doc/avg-anti-rootkit-free/lng/us/tpl/v5.
- Trend Micro RootkitBuster - http://www.trendmicro.com/download/rbuster.asp
- F-Secure Blacklight may not always be available, http://www.f-secure.com/blacklight

[shahbd6]

Hi! David
I tried both your suggestions but without result. Finally, I read about the following registry modifications with success.
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvancedFolderHiddenNOHIDENCheckedValue = 0 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvancedFolderHiddenSHOWALLCheckedValue = 2
Thanks all, finally I have my problems solved.

[DavidR]

Thanks for the feedback.

A belated welcome to the forums.

[rapslayer]

Hi! shahbd6
I tried both your suggestions but without result read about the following registry modifications
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvancedFolderHiddenNOHIDENCheckedValue =2 HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindowsCurrentVersionExplorerAdvancedFolderHiddenSHOWALLCheckedValue =0
I cant change their values........so i have problem Cannot view hidden files and folders

[DavidR]

Were you using an account with Administrator privileges ?

Or it may be that you need to take possession of the registry entry, Right click on the Key and select Permissions. You should see a list of Users, select the Administers group and see what permissions they have, ensure they have Allow checked against Full Control. Now see if it allows you to change the values.

If none of that works you could try rebooting into safe mode and see if that will allow you to edit the values.