Restore Show Hidden Files and Folders in Vista - How To

Restoring the "Show Hidden Files and Folders" Option

Numerous readers have contacted me regarding the absence of the "Show Hidden Files and Folders" option within the Folder Options dialog on their computers. This issue was also raised on the forum, where Scott identified a registry modification that is now being shared. It's important to note that the lack of this option often indicates a potential spyware infection, necessitating a comprehensive system scan.

While scanner applications can detect and remove malware, they typically do not restore this missing setting. To illustrate the problem, access Folder and Search Options via the Organize menu, then select the View tab. You will find that the entire "Hidden Files and Folders" section, including the radio buttons, is entirely missing!

Manual Registry Adjustment

To rectify this, open the Registry Editor (regedit.exe) through the Start menu search or the Run dialog box. Then, navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden

On the right-hand pane, locate a key named "Type". Modify its value to "group".

If the "Type" key is not present, you must create a new String value with that name.

Following this adjustment, you should be able to reopen the folder properties. The missing option should now be visible, as demonstrated below:

My sincere gratitude to Scott for discovering this solution. It is hoped that this information will prove beneficial to others experiencing this issue.

Remember to exercise caution when modifying the registry. Incorrect changes can lead to system instability. Always back up your registry before making any alterations.