Whether you are using Windows 7 or Vista or XP, the operating system always hides certain folders and files from you, by default. (You will recall that "default" means the way it is unless you change it.) These files are hidden so that you don't accidently change or delete a file or folder which is important. It's a great idea but on occasion, you would like to access something that is hidden.
For instance, you might find instructions on the Net which try to take you to one or more of these hidden folders to perform some task. However, if you don't reveal the folders, you won't see them let alone be able to perform the action.

Luckily, showing hidden files and folders is a simple procedure. Here's how:
As with most Windows functions, there are a number of ways to achieve the result we want. We'll demonstrate one way in this tutorial.

1) Go to the Start Menu.

2) Click on Control Panel.

3) In Windows XP and Vista, make sure the control panel is in the classic mode. In Windows 7, make sure you are in small or large icon mode.

 

4) Find FOLDER OPTIONS and open.

5) Switch to the VIEW tab in the new window which opens.

 

6) Under FIles and Folders, find "Hidden Folders and Files."

7) If not there already, move the dot to: "Show hidden files, folders and drives."

8) Click OK.