Help, I can't see my hidden files!

[Ephemeron]

This thread is not as dumb as the title implies. My computer simply won't show me any hidden files when I try to change this setting in folder options. I go back into folder options and find that the option has changed back. I know that the hidden files are still there (If I type the adress of a hidden folder it has no trouble displaying it). I am running Windows XP, and my account is a computer administrator. Can anyone help me?

[wh666-666]

Right click on My computer and see if you get the following wierd characters:



If you do, you are infected with the ravmon virus/worm which is also known to cause the problem you are experiencing. Follow this link:

http://crack0hack.wetpaint.com/page/...self%29?t=anon

That will disable it so you can then delete the startup program and associated files.





If the problem is just with one folder/file you can do the following by going to start > run > and typing the following:

attrib -s -h -r c:\documents and settings\your-name\my documents\whatever folder











If none of the above helps or is applicable and windows refuses to keep its "show hidden files setting", try the following:

- Start > run > regedit .. Hit enter

- Go to the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN

You should see something like this:



If you dont see CheckedValue: DWORD Value: 2 and DefaultValue: DWORD Value: 2 as shown, you can right click as shown and create a new dword with a value of 2.


Then go to: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion \Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL

You should see:

- CheckedValue: DWORD Value: 1
- DefaultValue: DWORD Value: 2

Correct or alter any of these if necessary ...

If it doesnt take affect afterwards go to start > run > regsvr32 /i shell32.dll ...




All should be fine after that ....



Unless you are on a domain as suggested and a group policy is being forced, but even a group policy wouldnt be forced until log off or log on normally.

[Ephemeron]

Nope, I haven't had that problem. It seems the source of the mystery remains... at large?

[ua549]

Are you connected to a domain? Group policy will override local settings.

[wh666-666]

Still typing


Im just typing out the registry entries you need to correct ....

[Ephemeron]

This is my home computer if that's what you mean. Just to confirm, it's not connected to any sort of network.

[Vindir]

Try re-registering your dlls perhaps? From a command console try regsvr32 /i shell32.dll and then attempt an unhide again?

wh666's explanation seems the most likely cause if you're still seeing this kind of funkiness after a reboot. What kind of A/V and malware scanners do you typically run against the box? Something like booting into safe mode and letting a scan of spybot and malwarebytes run through couldn't hurt if you haven't done so already.

[Ephemeron]

Problem solved! wh666-666, I follwed the instructions in your edited post, and changed just one registry value. Now it has no problem with the hidden files setting. Thanks.

[wh666-666]

Ahh good good, glad its sorted for you!