How To Hide OR Show All System hidden Files and Folder in Windows 7 , Vista And Xp

hidden folder 

EXAMPLE: A Hidden Protected Operating System File

Through Folder Options

NOTE: This option only affects the current user.

1. Open Folder Options.

2. To Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives
NOTE: This will also allow hidden drives to show despite if Hide empty drives in the Computer folder is checked.

A) Select (dot) Show hidden files, folders, and drives. (See screenshot below)

B) Click on the Apply button.

 
3. To Don't Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives

A) Select (dot) Don't Show hidden files, folders, and drives. (See screenshot above)

B) Click on the Apply button.

4. To Show Protected Operating System Files

NOTE: For example, desktop.ini files.

A) Do step 2.

B) Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files box. (See screenshot below step 5B)

C) Click on Yes to confirm. (See screenshot below)

 

Manually in Registry Editor

1. Open the Start Menu, then type regedit in the search line and press enter.

2. If prompted by UAC, then click on Yes.

3. In regedit, navigate to the location below. (see screenshot below)

For Current User Only:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

For All Users: (Must be logged in as an administrator to be able to do)
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced

4. To Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives 
NOTE: This will also allow hidden drives to show despite if Hide empty drives in the Computer folderis checked.

A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on Hidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot above)

B) Type 1 and click on OK. (see screenshot below)

 

C) Go to step 8.

5. To Don't Show Hidden Files, Folders, and Drives

A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on Hidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)

B) Type 0 and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 4B)

C) Go to step 8.

6. To Show Protected Operating System Files
NOTE: For example, desktop.ini files.

A) Do step 4.

B) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on ShowSuperHidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)

C) Type 1 and click on OK. (see screenshot below step 7B)

D) Go to step 8.

7. To Hide Protected Operating System Files

A) In the right pane of Advanced, right click on ShowSuperHidden and click on Modify. (see screenshot below step 3)

B) Type 0 and click on OK. (see screenshot below )