Show/Hide Hidden Files & Folders on the fly in Windows XP, Vista & 7



http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/vishaal_here/Windows-1.png

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.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v374/vishaal_here/Hidden_Files.png

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:

Download 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.

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This article was posted in Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.


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12 Comments

  • wow cool technique you have shown to us vishal! thank you very much! I need those reg files. :)

  • 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. :)

  • I Don't Get It.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • Is there a way to hide password protect a personal folder or file?

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • Thanks for this nice script..However, I still prefer password protecting technique.

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