How do I view hidden files, folders, and file extensions in Windows?

Windows Vista

Click Start > Computer.
In Computer, select the option that says Organize and choose “Folder and Search Options”.
Click the View tab.
Under Advanced settings, click “Show hidden files and folders”, then click OK.

Windows XP

Click Start.
Open My Computer.
Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
Select the View Tab.
Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files option.
Click Yes to confirm.
Click OK.

Windows 2000

Open My Computer.
Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
Select the View Tab.
Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files option.
Click Yes to confirm.
Click OK.

Windows ME

Open My Computer.
Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
Select the View Tab.
Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files option.
Click Yes to confirm.
Click OK.
Click Start, Programs and Accessories and open Windows Explorer.
Select a hard drive from the left hand side of the Windows Explorer window.
Select View the Entire contents of this drive.

Windows 98

Open My Computer.
Select the View menu and click Folder Options.
Select the View Tab.
In the Hidden files section select Show all files.
Click OK.

Windows 95

Open My Computer.
Select the View menu and click Options.
Select the View Tab.
Select the Show all files Radio Button.
Click OK.

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