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I'm in the process of cleaning my music collection, using MusicBrainz Picard to automatically move and rename them. I then look for empty folders so I can delete them, using xplorer2 (file manager).

While doing this I've encountered a lot of directories that are not empty, according to both xplorer2 and the Windows file explorer, although I cannot see anything in them. They usually contain one or two small files, typically around 20-70kB, but sometimes a bit higher (300kB). This is what the folder properties window says anyway:

enter image description here

However, when I visit those folders, I don't see anything in them.
Of course I've set both xplorer2 and Windows Explorer to show hidden files.

When using the command line to get information on those folders, it says that they contain two subfolders (if I'm reading correctly), but it doesn't list them.

enter image description here

What am I missing here? Where does this non-zero size come from? How can I see what it is?

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  • if you rd /s "1974-Tangerine Dream - Phaedra" does command prompt complain that the folder isn't empty?
    – spikey_richie
    Jun 18, 2020 at 8:36
  • @spikey_richie no, it just asks for confirmation. I said Y and the folder has been deleted (I made a backup first).
    – s427
    Jun 18, 2020 at 8:42
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    To see all files in console use dir /ahs
    – Robert
    Jun 18, 2020 at 9:07
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    Those files are not visible in the Explorer because by default the option to show hidden and option to show system files is disabled (see explorer options).
    – Robert
    Jun 18, 2020 at 9:26
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    @Robert Aaah, OK, they're considered system files, not just hidden files. I thought the "show hidden files" option would be enough. I forgot there was another, distinct option. That answers my question then. Thank you.
    – s427
    Jun 18, 2020 at 9:31

1 Answer 1

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So it turns out those hidden files were not "just" hidden files, but also system files.

System files will remain hidden even though the "show hidden files, folders and drives" option is checked in the Explorer options. You also have to uncheck the "Hide protected system files (Recommended)" for those files to become visible. This wasn't clear to me.

Thanks to @Robert in the comments for pointing that out.

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