How to View System and Hidden Files in Windows

ID: Q141276

The information in this article applies to:

SUMMARY

This article describes how to view hidden and system files in Windows Explorer, Windows NT Explorer, My Computer, and the Find tool. By default, Windows does not display these files.


MORE INFORMATION

To view hidden and system files, use the appropriate method.

Computers Without the Internet Explorer 4.0 Windows Desktop Update

  1. Double-click My Computer.


  2. On the View menu, click Options.


  3. On the View tab, click Show All Files, and then click OK.


Computers with Internet Explorer 4.0 Windows Desktop Update or Windows 98

  1. Double-click My Computer.


  2. On the View menu, click Folder Options.


  3. Click the View tab.


  4. In the Advanced Settings box, click Show All Files, and then click OK.


Enabling the Show All Files option causes the following file types to be displayed: 

   .dll - Program extension
   .sys - System file
   .vxd - Virtual device driver
   .386 - Virtual device driver
   .drv - Device driver

Note that any hidden files are also displayed.

For information about the Internet Explorer 4.0 Windows Desktop Update, please see the following article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:
ARTICLE-ID: Q165695
TITLE : How to Add or Remove Windows Desktop Update 


Keywords          : kbui win95 win98 winnt 
Version           : 95
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbhowto

Last Reviewed: January 26, 1999