How to show hidden files in Windows XP

Free Computer Help By Mitz

Windows hides certain files to protect the data from being tampered with or destroyed accidentally. These files are invisible to a computer user. However sometimes we need to access these hidden files or folders. For example some programs store their files in a folder called application data, which is hidden in Windows Xp. If you want to see these hidden files you will have to change settings in Windows XP.

How to show hidden files in Windows XP

1. Go to the Start menu at the bottom left corner.
2. Choose My Computer.
3. Go to the menu at the top and choose Tools, then choose Folder options.
4. Choose View from the tabs at the top.
5. Scroll down the list and find the Hidden files and folders section. Choose to show hidden files and folders.
6. Then press Apply and then OK.

Reasons why you need to see hidden files in Windows XP

• Sometimes you need to see hidden files to backup hidden settings or folders. For example, your Outlook express folders are in hidden files.
• We need to see hidden files to change certain settings on a computer.