How to show Hidden Folders and Files in Windows XP & Windows 7

This is a tiny tip article which explains you how to show hidden folders and files in Windows XP. Windows keeps important files and folders in hidden state to avoid them from being deleted. So if you are a newbie you might want to know about these things.

The process is same for Windows XP and Windows 7, but Appearance and Themes are named as Appearance and Personalization in Windows 7.

#1. Click on START > Control Panel.
#2. In Control Panel click on Appearance and Themes.
#3. In Appearance and Themes window, Click on View tab.
#4. Under View Tab scroll to Hidden Files and Folders.
#5. Click on Show hidden folders and files.
#6. You are done.

Additional Tip: You can also view Protected Operating System files by unchecking Hide protected operating system files and by clicking Yes, but it is recommended to hide those files.