How to Show Hidden Files on Windows 7

Windows 7 provides an excellent feature that allows users to view hidden files and folders on their computer. This is essential for troubleshooting issues with malware or other system problems. In this article, we will guide you through the steps to show hidden files on your Windows 7 PC.

'windows 7 show hidden files'

Method 1: Using Folder Options

To show hidden files using Folder Options, follow these steps:

* Click on the Start menu and type 'folder' in the search box.

* Select Folder Options from the search results.

* In the Folder Options window, click on the View tab.

* Under the Hidden files and folders section, select the option to Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

Method 2: Using File Explorer

Alternatively, you can also show hidden files using File Explorer:

* Click on the Windows Start menu and type 'folder' in the search box.

* Select File Explorer Options from the search results.

* In the File Explorer Options window, click on the View tab.

* Under the Hidden files and folders section, select the option to Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

Method 3: Using Advanced Settings

If the above methods do not work, you can try using the Advanced settings:

* Click on the Start menu and type 'advanced' in the search box.

* Select System Properties from the search results.

* In the System Properties window, click on the Advanced tab.

* Under the Performance section, select Settings.

* In the Performance Options window, click on the View tab.

* Under the Hidden files and folders section, select the option to Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

Troubleshooting Steps

If the 'Show hidden files and folders' option does not work after trying the above methods, it may be due to a malware infection. In this case, you should scan your computer for viruses using an antivirus program like Bitdefender. If the problem persists, try restarting your PC to see if that resolves the issue.

In some cases, hidden files settings may reset themselves after closing the dialog box. To prevent this from happening, make sure to restart your computer after changing the settings.

Showing hidden files on Windows 7 is a straightforward process. By following the steps outlined in this article, you should be able to view and access hidden files and folders on your PC. Remember to regularly scan your computer for malware and viruses to prevent any issues with your system.

Windows 7 show hidden files