Hidden files in Windows Explorer

Question

I have a hidden file, but I couldn't see it in "Explore" (My computer). Then, I downloaded Total Commander, and I was able to see the hidden file.

In Tools->Folder Options, I have: Show hidden files & folders - checked, and Hide protected os files - unchecked.

Why can't I see this hidden file in "Explorer"?

Answer 1

Another possible solution is that your PC is infected, and a Root-Kit is hiding the file from the explorer.

Answer 2

If I undestand your question correctlly, your problem is simple.

Total Commander, shows hidden files by default, But Windows Explorer doesn't.

So what you need to do is:

WINDOWS XP:

1. On the Tools menu in Windows Explorer, click Folder Options.
2. Click the View tab.
3. Under Hidden files and folders, click Show hidden files and folders.

VISTA:

1. Click the round blue Start thing in the left corner
2. Click Control Panel
3. Click Folder Options
4. Click the View tab
5. Click Show hidden files and folders
6. If you want to see system files as well, unclick Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
7. Click OK

WINDOWS 7

Answer 3

It could be Alternate Data Streams (ADS). Alternate Data Streams are not listed in Windows Explorer.

One way is if a file has been through a Windows file server where Macintosh services have been enabled then there will be these extra files (I know from experience.). It can also be files used by malware.

Answer 4

You just copy & paste the next paragraph texts in a text file and save it as xyz.vbs and run it.

on Error Resume Next
Dim objShell, objFileSystem, objTextStream, objRegex
Dim colRegexMatches1, colRegexMatches2
Dim nReturnCode
Dim strIpFileText
Dim element, i
Dim Lista
Lista=array("qd*.cmd")
Set geekside=WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
Set objShell = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
Set objFileSystem = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set objFSO = CreateObject("Scripting.FileSystemObject")
Set colDrives = objFSO.Drives
Wscript.Echo "Software provided by *PremanandPrasad*"
nret33=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ /v Hidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f",0,TRUE)
nret43=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ /v SuperHidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f",0,TRUE)
nret44=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ /v ShowSuperHidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f",0,TRUE)
nret45=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ /v Hidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f",0,TRUE)
nret46=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ /v SuperHidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f",0,TRUE)
nret47=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ /v ShowSuperHidden /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f",0,TRUE)
nret34=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN\ /v CheckedValue /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f",0,TRUE)
nret35=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\NOHIDDEN\ /v DefaultValue /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f",0,TRUE)
nret36=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg delete HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL\ /v CheckedValue /f",0,TRUE)
nret37=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL\ /v CheckedValue /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f",0,TRUE)
nret38=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL\ /v DefaultValue /t REG_DWORD /d 2 /f",0,TRUE)
nret39=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\SuperHidden\ /v CheckedValue /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f",0,TRUE)
nret40=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\SuperHidden\ /v DefaultValue /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f",0,TRUE)
nret48=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\ /v Type /t REG_SZ /d Group /f",0,TRUE)
nret61=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\ /v NoFolderOptions /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f",0,TRUE)
nret62=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer\ /v NoFolderOptions /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f",0,TRUE)
nret63=geekside.Run("cmd /C reg add HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System\ /v DisableRegistryTools /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f",0,TRUE)
nret78=geekside.Run("cmd /C taskkill /f /im explorer.exe",0,TRUE)
nret79=geekside.Run("cmd /C start explorer.exe",0,TRUE)
WScript.Echo "Congratulations! You can see your Hidden Files & Folder now"
WScript. Quit(0)