How to see your hidden files on Windows Vista

To enable viewing of hidden and protected system files in Windows Vista please follow these 8 easy steps:

1. Close all programs now you should see your desktop
2. Click on the "Start" button.

3. Click on the "Control Panel" option.

4. When the control panel opens you can either be in Classic View or Home view:

If you are in the Classic View Setting do the following:

1. Double-click on the Folder Options icon.
2. Click on the View tab.
3. Go to step 5.

If you are in the Control Panel Home view do the following:

1. Click on the Appearance and Personalization link.
2. Click on Show Hidden Files or Folders.
3. Go to step 5.

5. Under the Hidden files and folders tab select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders.

6. Remove the checkmarks from the checkbox labeled Hide extensions for known file types and Hide protected operating system files.

7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files. Once this is done, your Folder Options screen should look similar to the following image.

8. Press the Apply button and then the OK button.

Now Windows Vista is configured to show all hidden files