"Show hidden files and folders" not working anymor

[johnlusf]

I'm not exactly sure when this occurred. I just noticed this.

When I go to Tools in Windows Explorer and Folder Options, the default under the View tab is 'Do not show hidden files and folders'
So I click on the "Show hidden files and folders" then click Apply and Windows Explorer kind of 'refreshes'

However, none of the hidden files are revealed. So when I go back to the Folder Options, it is set back to the default! It seems that something is trying to block me from viewing hidden files or something.

Now I need to the Command Prompt and type attrib to see my hidden files. This is a drag. Anybody ever have this problem before and know how to resolve this issue? Thanks!!!!

Moderator edit: Moved from T4x conference as this is a Windows problem

[RealBlackStuff]

You should also UNtick both Hide... options underneath it.
Before you start to dig any deeper, I would run a full antivirus and spyware scan.
If your AV does not work (properly), do an online scan here: http://housecall.trendmicro.com/

[esquire]

I just discovered this exact problem about a week ago on my thinkpad !

From the little research I have done, it looks like some kind of trojan...or virus, or some kind of malware thing.

I already got a virus off a memory key I used at an internet cafe, but I think I squashed that bug.


I would appreciate any suggestions on what to try to fix the hidden file thing.

[RealBlackStuff]

Did you make the 'housecall'? If not, do so now and report back.

[esquire]

Well it seems it was some kind of trojan

I scanned with a bunch of programs, trojanhunter, avg, adaware, spybot....I think my system is clean now. I had two trojans!


I also tweaked the registry to give me access to hidden files, which seemed to work ok. Sorry lost the link, but if you search for tweaking hidden files you should be able to find info. Ugh. Now to make sure my firewalls are working.

[johnlusf]

thanks lad. I think I picked up the trojan from a memory key as well. For some reason, however, the owner of the key does not have this problem on his system. Weird.

[johnlusf]

Actually ran a bunch of virus scans. Dug up a couple of trojans, and dealt with them. Problem is still not resolved after a reboot.
I am at a loss.
Can the lad who solved this same problem lend me some advice as to the specific steps to resolve this issue? Thanks

[esquire]

I tried 2 things:

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1. Resolve the "Show hidden files" problem as discussed earlier in this thread.

2. open "Folder Options" and check "show hidden files and folders"
3. open "Folder Options" and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (recommended)"
4. Open "windows" folder and look for a folder "Prefetch". Open it and select all files in it and delete them. (Will cause no harm to your system)
5. Look in the root directory of each drive and partition and look for a file "autoexec.ini" or startup.ini" or any similar name. Same name ini file will be on each drive and partion. Delete all.
6. Reboot
7. open "Folder Options" and check "Hide protected operating system files (recommended)"

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and

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goto run and type regedit, then press enter.....after that navigate to
this location:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL

in the right side of the window, there must be a entry called: checkedvalue

right click on it n and select ' value'....
if its value is set for ' 0' than delete it n set the value as ' 1'..
close the regedit window.....
now the problem must be gone......this worked in my system n now i can
unhide the hidden files......


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After scanning/fixing for trojans/viruses, these two solutions seemed to have fixed my problems.

Take all usual precautions and try these fixes at your own risk!

Here is the link to the original thread: http://forums.cnet.com/5208-6142_102-0. ... 57&start=0