Display Hidden Files and Folders in Windows Explorer
S
Suzy Davis
started a topic
over 7 years ago
By default Windows 'hides' files and folders that aren't needed for everyday work. But for optimal PC health, it's useful to see these hidden files - incuding tmp files (files that end with ".tmp" or start wth "~"), and folders that hold your templates - the AppData, and Application Data folders.
You can reach your template folder by typing the folder path to the Templates and Startup folders in the Explorer Address field (described at the end of this post) - under the heading ALTERNATIVE METHOD below.
Open Windows Explorer
In Windows 7, Click Organize > Folder and search options
In Windows XP, Click Tools > Folder Options
The Folder Options screen is displayed.
Click the View tab.
A warning message will display will you uncheck the "Hide protected system files (Recommended) option:
Click Yes
The Folder Options screen will re-display.
Click Apply
Click OK
In Windows 7, the AppData folder, as well as other files that are usually kept hidden will now be visible
In Windows XP, the AppData folder is called Application Data
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
You can go directly to folders like the Templates folder that are hidden under the AppData series of folders (Application Data in Windows XP) by typing the folder links below in the Address bar of the Explorer Window (not Internet Explorer!).
Open Windows Explorer by right-clicking the Windows Start button
Select Open Windows Explorer
Note - replace [Username] with your username
In Windows 7:
c:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates, press Enter
or
c:\users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\Startup, press Enter
In Windows XP
c:\Documents and Settings\[Username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates, press Enter
c:\Documents and Settings\[Username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Word\Startup, press Enter
Note - you won't see tmp files unless the Hide hidden files and folders options is turned on
Suzy Davis
By default Windows 'hides' files and folders that aren't needed for everyday work. But for optimal PC health, it's useful to see these hidden files - incuding tmp files (files that end with ".tmp" or start wth "~"), and folders that hold your templates - the AppData, and Application Data folders.
You can reach your template folder by typing the folder path to the Templates and Startup folders in the Explorer Address field (described at the end of this post) - under the heading ALTERNATIVE METHOD below.
Open Windows Explorer
In Windows 7, Click Organize > Folder and search optionsIn Windows XP, Click Tools > Folder Options
The Folder Options screen is displayed.
Click the View tab.
A warning message will display will you uncheck the "Hide protected system files (Recommended) option:
Click Yes
The Folder Options screen will re-display.
Click Apply
Click OK
In Windows 7, the AppData folder, as well as other files that are usually kept hidden will now be visible
In Windows XP, the AppData folder is called Application Data
ALTERNATIVE METHOD
You can go directly to folders like the Templates folder that are hidden under the AppData series of folders (Application Data in Windows XP) by typing the folder links below in the Address bar of the Explorer Window (not Internet Explorer!).
Open Windows Explorer by right-clicking the Windows Start button
Select Open Windows Explorer
Note - replace [Username] with your username
In Windows 7:
c:\Users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Templates, press Enter
or
c:\users\[Username]\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Word\Startup, press Enter
In Windows XP
c:\Documents and Settings\[Username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Templates, press Enter
c:\Documents and Settings\[Username]\Application Data\Microsoft\Word\Startup, press Enter
Note - you won't see tmp files unless the Hide hidden files and folders options is turned on1 person has this problem