Windows XP Show Hidden Files

Showing hidden files in Windows XP is easy. Just make sure you are making this change for a specific reason, because if you leave this option enabled, you could possible delete critical system files, making your system unusable.

1. Head to the control panel (Start->Settings->Control Panel) and select Folder Options.

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2. In the “Folder Options” dialog box that opens, select the View tab.
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3. Finally, select “Show hidden files and folders” and press OK.”

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To reverse this (and to hide hidden files), go back to the “Folder Options” dialog box and uncheck the option you checked in step 3.