Most of you might be aware of our "Hide files & folders without using 3rd party application" guide which shows you how to hide your private data from others without using any 3rd party software. Its easy to follow and absolutely free.

The above guide requires you to disable "Folder Options" menu in Explorer. So if you want to enable "Show Hidden Files" option, you'll need to re-enable Folder Options using Registry Editor or gpedit.msc.
Wouldn't it be easier if we can get a shortcut to enable/disable "Show Hidden Files" option easily and quickly? Double-click on a shortcut and it'll start showing Hidden files in Explorer and double-click on another shortcut to stop showing hidden files. Sounds interesting?
Here we are sharing 2 registry scripts. One enables "Show Hidden Files"option and the other disables it. You just need to run the script and that's it.
You can download the script using following link:
You can store them in a safe place so that no one else can use them. Simply place them in root of a drive like D: and rename them to a short names like h.reg and u.reg and hide them. Now whenever you need to use them, type their name in the addressbar and press Enter. It'll run the scripts.
PS: You'll need to Refresh the Explorer window to see the changes. Press "F5" or right-click in empty area and select "Refresh" option.
This article was posted by VG in following section: Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.
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Arvin Malabanan
wow cool technique you have shown to us vishal! thank you very much! I need those reg files. :)
David
That's nice. But Sir, I have a question. How can you change the text when you hover your mouse on the start orb? (in XP?) Thanks in advance. :)
Chad
I Don't Get It.
Rish
Sorry, but didn't worked in vista home premium
VG
It has been tested in Windows XP, Vista and 7. It should work in almost all Windows versions. You'll need to refresh the Explorer to apply the changes. Sometimes you may need to right-click and select "Refresh" option if pressing F5 doesnt work.
Arvin Malabanan
I'ts working! just follow it carefully step by step. I like the u.reg and h.reg trick. i can hide and unhide anything just by typing that in my address bar! Thank you very much again Vishal!
Someone
Is there a way to hide password protect a personal folder or file?
netbox
Bro VG,
Im here again want to ask u my recent prob w/ my XP..
Im trying to install Phoenix 2008.msi
and it wont continue, saying;
the system administrator has set policies to prevent this installation..
Ive tried ways found on the web but it wont resolve..
hope u can help me with this. Thank u vry much.
pceasies
Back when I had XP x86 I found this app that added a context menu entry that did this and refreshed. With x64 I use a hotkey (on my G11) and a vbs script that I found that toggles the key. You can add a link to the .reg files, or to a .bat that calls the .reg silently from the context menu or make a simple AutoHotkey/AutoIT script that launches the change key and then waits a few secs, activates the window and then refreshes.
Arafat Hossain Piyada
Thanks for this nice script..However, I still prefer password protecting technique.