How to Configure Hidden Files and Folders in Microsoft Windows
Robert Walden
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Hiding files and folders on your computer may be necessary from time to time. There may be something that you don't want the common computer user to be able to access or you may be the common computer user and you want to be able to see things that are hidden. 
To be able to see hidden files and folders you need to turn this feature on. By default Windows is configured to not show hidden files and folders, so that users don't get into system files that shouldn't be messed with. Open Windows explorer from your all programs list. Go to the tools menu and choose folder options. From the folder options window choose the View tab. Under Advanced settings you should be able to find a section called Hidden files and folders. You can choose the option that says "Do not show hidden files and folders" or the option which says "Show hidden files and folders."
Then hit okay and the changes will instantly take effect.
You can choose which files contain the hidden attribute. If you have a folder or file that you want to be hidden, simply right click on the file or folder and choose properties. From the properties window you should see a check box that says Hidden. If you check this box and hit okay, this item will now have the hidden attribute activated. If you choose to hide a folder, it will ask you if you want to hide all of the items inside the folder as well.
If you have show hidden files and folders turned on you will be able to tell if an item is hidden or not by how its icon appears. An unhidden icon will have a normal looking icon but a hidden file or folder will look translucent. The icon will not be as bright and you should easily be able to notice the difference.
To be able to see hidden files and folders you need to turn this feature on. By default Windows is configured to not show hidden files and folders, so that users don't get into system files that shouldn't be messed with. Open Windows explorer from your all programs list. Go to the tools menu and choose folder options. From the folder options window choose the View tab. Under Advanced settings you should be able to find a section called Hidden files and folders. You can choose the option that says "Do not show hidden files and folders" or the option which says "Show hidden files and folders."
Then hit okay and the changes will instantly take effect.
You can choose which files contain the hidden attribute. If you have a folder or file that you want to be hidden, simply right click on the file or folder and choose properties. From the properties window you should see a check box that says Hidden. If you check this box and hit okay, this item will now have the hidden attribute activated. If you choose to hide a folder, it will ask you if you want to hide all of the items inside the folder as well.
If you have show hidden files and folders turned on you will be able to tell if an item is hidden or not by how its icon appears. An unhidden icon will have a normal looking icon but a hidden file or folder will look translucent. The icon will not be as bright and you should easily be able to notice the difference.