In Windows, how do I view hidden files?

Many of the Windows system files are hidden by default. To view the hidden files on your computer, follow these steps:

1. From the desktop or the Start menu, double-click My Computer.
   
   
2. If you are using Windows 2000 or XP, from the Tools menu, select Folder Options. If you are using Windows 95, 98, or NT, from the View menu, select Options... .
   
   
3. Click the View tab and select Show hidden files and folders (Windows 2000 or XP) or Show all files (Windows 95, 98, or NT).
   
   
4. Click OK.

When you open any folder on your hard drive, you will now see all of the files, including the hidden ones.

Also see:

• In Windows, how do I locate a file if I know its name or its contents?
• In Windows 2000, XP, or 2003, how do I change a file's read-only permission?
• Why can't I create files or folders in my root directory on my Windows computer?
• In Windows, what are file attributes, and how can I change them?