Fix: Hidden files and folders in Folder Options is missing

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We know that the Windows operating system contains some files and yet other system files and folders which are hidden by default. These are hidden so that the end-user does not by chance end up deleting or modifying their contents as they are required by the system to function properly. But there may be times, when you may need to show these hidden files and folders.

Show Hidden files and folders

To do this, type Folder Options in start search and hit Enter to open Folder Options window. Under the View tab, check the Hidden files, folders and drives check box. If you need to also show the system protected hidden files and folders too, uncheck the Hide protected operating system files  option.

Click Apply and exit. The hidden files and folders will now be visible.

Hidden files and folders option missing

If you find that in your Windows, when you open your Windows Explorer > Organize > Folder & Search Option > Folder Options > View > Advanced Settings, the Show Hidden Files, Folders and Drives option is missing, then here is a Registry hack you can try, to enable it.

Create a system restore point first. Then type regedit in Windows start search box and hit Enter. Navigate to the following key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden

In the right pane, right click on Type and select Modify. Here Change Value Data to “group” without the inverted commas.
Click OK > Exit.
Hope this helps. If this doesn’t help, then Windows 8.1 users may download and apply this registry fix. Alternatively Windows 7, Windows Vista users could  use our freeware FixWin to fix this issue. You will find the fix under its Explorer section.

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• Empty Folder Cleaner: Deletes Empty Folders and Empty Files in Windows
• Temporary Internet Files Folder location in Windows 7 / 8

Posted by AnandK@TWC on March 23, 2014 , in Category General with Tags Features, Folder, Troubleshoot

Anand Khanse aka HappyAndyK is an end-user Windows enthusiast, a Microsoft MVP in Windows, since 2006, and the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com. Please create a System Restore Point before trying out any software & be careful about any third-party offers while installing freeware. Add me on Google+.

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