Windows XP - Unable to display hidden files and folders

Posted by : Abdul Munaf Monday, October 1, 2012

Due to changes in the registry or virus infection, you may no longer be able to access the options to display hidden files and folders (Tools > Folder Options). Here's a simple tip below that should help.

To find these options:

Click on Start menu, then click Run (or Windows key + R)
Type cmd, a command prompt window (DOS) will open
Type regsvr32 /i browseui.dll then press the Enter key and wait for a confirmation window
Type regsvr32 /i shell32.dll then press the Enter key and wait for a confirmation window
Close the command prompt.

For Normal File Viewing Open My Computer, click on Tools > Folder Options
Then click on View > Hidden Files and Folders > Show Hidden Files and Folders > Apply > Ok.

For System file Viewing Open My Computer, click on Tools > Folder Options > View > Hidden Files and Folders > Show Hidden Files and Folders > ( Untick ) Hide Protected Operating System Files > Yes > Apply > Ok.