The Windows 7 operating system has a convenient feature that allows you to hide files and folders stored on your hard drive. This makes it possible to hide confidential information, as well as protect important system files from accidental deletion. However, it is important not only to be able to hide folders, but also, if necessary, restore them to their previous state.
Show hidden folders
Open the main Start menu and select the Control Panel item. In the window that opens, go to the Appearance and Personalization tab and click on the Folder Options link. In the Folder Options window, open the View tab, in the Advanced settings list, find the Hidden files and folders item and set the switch to Show hidden files, folders and drives, so you will get access to hidden files, folders and drives. In the same list, uncheck the Hidden protected operating system files (Recommended) checkbox, this will allow you to see all hidden system files. When you are finished making changes, click OK. Be careful when working with previously hidden system files. Accidentally damaging or deleting them can negatively affect the operation of the operating system.
Change folder properties
By making changes to the system settings, you will be able to see the previously hidden folders, however, they will still be marked as hidden. To permanently make them visible, you must cancel this property of them. If you know where the hidden folder should be located, use the explorer window to navigate to it. Open File Explorer and navigate through the folders until you find the one you're looking for.
If you do not know the location of the folder, open the main Start menu and use the available file and folder search form. Enter the full or partial folder name in this form. As a result, you will see a dynamic list of found matches.
Once you find the folder you are looking for, open its properties. To do this, open its context menu by right-clicking on the folder and select Properties, located at the very end of the list. In the window that opens, go to the General tab. In the Attributes section, uncheck the Hidden checkbox and click the OK button.
Return to original settings
After you finish restoring hidden folders, you can return the operating system to the previous mode of displaying files, drives and folders. To do this, go back to the system control panel and open the Folder Options window. In the Advanced settings list, find the Hidden files and folders item again and now select the Don`t show hidden files, folders or drives radio button. Then check the Hidden protected operating system files checkbox. If you want to hide confidential data from prying eyes, store it on removable media such as USB drives. This will help to avoid further loss of data hidden on the computer.
