Show Hidden Files options disapeared!

Hello:

As I wanted to enable the "Show Hidden Files" option in my Windows XP SP3, I realized the option is completely gone.

When I click in the Tools tab in Windows Explorer Menu, where I used to find it, it shows me completely different options: "Map Network Drive", "Disconnect Network Drive" and "Synchronize". "Folder Options" is no where to be found.

Please advice.

 

Did you do this?:

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop
2. Double-click on the My Computer icon
3. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options
4. After the new window appears select the View tab
5. Put a check mark in the checkbox labeled Display the contents of system folders
6. Under the Hidden files and folder section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide file extensions for known file types
8. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files
9. Press the Apply button and then the [OK[/B] button and shutdown My Computer
10. Now your computer is configured to show all hidden files.

PS: Only do step 8 if you wish to see also the protected hidden system files!!

 

Hello oma:

Thanks, but It does not work. The way you describe it is the way I used to do it.

However, as I mentioned before, now the only options I get when I click on Tools are:

• Map Network Drive
• Disconnect Network Drive
• Synchronize

And that's it. I have not change any setup to my PC (I wouldn't know how).

Thanks again

 

Check Start>Control Panel and look for Folder Options icon.

 

You might want to check for malware. Many nasties remove the option to view hidden files as an attempt to stay hidden and avoid detection. Take a look at this guide. If you're sure it's not malware, try this quick registry edit:

If you have problems (sometimes the "hidden" part of the key doesn't exist), check the comments at this link and there's a fix for that too. You can also check this link and scroll down to #155. And here's one more link to have a look at http://www.winhelponline.com/blog/show-hidden-files-and-folders-option-missing-or-does-not-work/. This link has a .reg file you can download that should fix the problem easily without you having to manually edit the registry (NOTE: I have not personally used the .reg file!)
I provided several fixes because when researching this problem, I found that not one fix works in all situations... good luck!