This article is more than revealing hidden files. It's to understand the purpose of this feature. Right from the start Microsoft Windows XP (or any other version) hides certain files from displaying in Windows Explorer. Any critical files linked to the OS or to specific software they will apply the hidden attribute so you don't accidentally remove them from your machine and stop the program from working properly. A quick note that might come in handy is that Viruses, spyware, Trojans, and other malware (malicious software) is well known to have hidden attributes applied to them.
Double click My Computer
Select Tools
Select Folder Options
click to enlarge
Click on the View tab
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Under ?Hidden files and folders ?
Scroll down just a bit and check off ? Show hidden files and folders ?
(Optional) Uncheck ? Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) ?
