Search for hidden files and folders in Windows 7

Anonymous
2010-01-26T18:40:43+00:00

How for an individual search do I tell the search process to examine hidden files and folders.

Windows for home | Previous Windows versions | Files, folders, and storage

Locked Question. This question was migrated from the Microsoft Support Community. You can vote on whether it's helpful, but you can't add comments or replies or follow the question.

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Anonymous
2010-01-27T17:56:36+00:00

Hi,

There is only one way to do it, Select the option Show hidden files from folder options and then search for the files using the start search box.

  1. Click Start.
  2. Type "search" in start search box.
  3. click "Change search options for files and folders".
  4. Now, Click on View tab .
  5. Under View,

       a)Select the radio button labeled Show hidden files, folders, and drives 

       b)Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide extensions for known file types.

       c)Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.

  1. Click on Apply and Ok.

For more information on search, click on the following link:

 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-us/windows7/Advanced-tips-for-searching-in-Windows

 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Searching-in-Windows-frequently-asked-questions

 http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/windows7/Find-a-file-or-folder

Thanks and Regards:

Swati K- Microsoft Support Engineer

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  1. Anonymous
    2012-02-09T21:54:43+00:00

    On the subject of Hidden Files.

    When you receive a PDF file in Microsoft Outlook, and you open the file, a copy of the pdf file is automatically saved in a hidden file.

    I am told after you have received 99 PDF files, this hidden folder is full, and you can no longer open a pdf file from Outlook until the files in this hidden folder are deleted.

    I believe the following is the path to one of these hidden folders, but on other Windows 7 PC's it doesn't seem to be the same folder:

    C:\Users\ad0976\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook\ALWQZ40U

    Is there a way to stop Microsoft Outlook from saving a copy of every PDF file that you open and print?

    That folder "C:\Users\ad0976\AppData\Local\Microsoft\Windows\Temporary Internet Files\Content.Outlook"random" is apparently a super secret, double hidden special folder.  I have my system set to supposedly see hidden and system everything.  Tried to go there in explorer, but it was not there.  Adobe saw it as a default save destination (outlook opened it there).  I could get there from the command prompt.  To unlock that hidden level, it was either up, down, up down, left, right, right, right, or I had to TYPE THE FULL ADDRESS into the address bar in Explorer.

    Maybe that is what MS is doing.  Making secret tricks, cheat codes and easter eggs like in video games.  You know, to make your operating system that much more fun and exciting to use!  Guess their Xbox development techniques are being shared in other areas...

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  2. Anonymous
    2012-01-27T17:20:51+00:00

    Dear Mr. Swati,

    Kisses for you. Smiles too.

    Your post has helped find my desktop items.

    The files were moved and made hidden - either by the virus, or my attempt cleaning the viruses from my machine.

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  3. Anonymous
    2012-01-23T01:11:37+00:00

    Hi EldridgeCurrie,

    You are welcome.

    If you have any more Windows related queries, you can always post here at Microsoft Answers.

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  4. Anonymous
    2012-01-20T23:23:11+00:00

    very helpful Swati .  thanks

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