Windows Vista - Explorer - Show Protected Operating System Files

SUMMARY: Toggle whether Windows Vista should show protected operating system files when browsing folders in Explorer.

By default, Windows Vista hides protected operating system files from view when browsing folders in Explorer. This is to prevent neophytes (and, ahem, some expert computer users) from damaging important files key to the operation of Windows Vista.

If you are troubleshooting Windows Vista problems such as the possibility that operating system files may have been damaged by viruses or spyware or other malware, you may wish to turn off this setting and show all files. To do so:

1. Do one of the following:

* Click on the "Organize" button in an Explorer folder, and then choose "Folder and Search Options".

* Open a folder in Explorer. Press the ALT key to temporarily show the menu, and then select "Tools" - "Folder Options".

* Click the Windows/Start button, type "folder options", and press ENTER.

2. When the "Folder Options" multi-tabbed dialog box appears, click the "View" tab.

3. Uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" to show the protected files, and click "Yes" on the dialog box when prompted. If such files are visible and you wish to hide them, check this box.

4. Click "OK" to close the dialog box.