Question regarding Windows Explorer display of system files

Question

Hi,

Clicked on C:\program files and it displayed a blue screen saying 'These files are hidden. This folder contains files that keep your system working properly. You should not alter the contents'. Below was a link that said 'Show the contents of this folder'. I pressed this so I could look in the folder which was fine.

How do I change things back so it displays the blue screen and message again when I next try to browse this folder as windows always shows the contents now which I'd rather it not do.

Thanks you,

Craig.

craiguk · Answer

'Do not show hidden files and folders' is already ticked.

Have noticed that when I view the properties of the folders in question they are 'read only' but not 'hidden'.

Do I need to press the 'hidden' box in properties, though I notice it says it'll take x mins to make this change?

Presumably if I do this it won't affect anything?

Thanks.

purrplexed · Answer

You can re-check 'Do Not Show Hidden Files and Folders' from Control Panel>Folder Options..click View tab.

gryjhnhpe · Answer

Use 'My Computer' , Tools > Folder Options , View & if 'Display the contents of system folders' is ticked remove tick.

craiguk · Answer

'Display the contents of system folders' is already blank, but can still see folders. Where else can I set this?

gryjhnhpe · Answer

Don't know of any-ware else.
You could try ticking it , close window & check Folders are still displayed.
Then remove tick & check again.

Otherwise use System Restore to point where they weren't showing.

Also do you have XP Folder view or classic Folder view. (pre XP , ie: Windows 2000)

Never tried classic.

Message Edited by gryjhnhpe on 12-22-2003 02:19 PM

JRosenfeld · Answer

There is one more box you could try in Tools, folder options, view: check 'hide protected operating system files'. Don't know if that would hide Program files folder, though.

About checking the hidden box in the folder's properties, that might wotk; however, as I prefer to be able to see every folder and file, I have not tried that. Don't know whether you might have problems unhiding it again should you need to later.

craiguk · Answer

Solved it! Press on FOLDERS on the  top menu bar in explorer. Then under 'systems tasks' press 'hide the contents of this folder'. The blue screen appears again!

gryjhnhpe · Answer

craiguk wrote: Solved it! Press on FOLDERS on the top menu bar in explorer.
Then under 'systems tasks' press 'hide the contents of this folder'.

The blue screen appears again!
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The above does the same as removing tick from Tools >Folders Options , View
"Display the contents of system folders"

Windows General

Question regarding Windows Explorer display of system files

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