WinXP - Can't See Hidden File

Hi,
I am using windows XP SP2. yesterday I tried to remove temp files, I realize that my PC can't let me see hidden files while I select and options in folder option. so can any one help me with that?

Is my PC got virus infected?

What error message are you getting? And what exactly are you doing? We need a little more information from you before we can be helpful.

Any specific hidden files you are looking for?

Here's something... didn't go through it myself, so no guaranties.

Hi there.

Most files that are hidden, are hidden for a reason, so you don't delete them thinking that you don't need it, or delete them accidentally with a bunch of other files.

This being said, to see hidden files, you open "my computer" and click on tools -> Folder options.

In the "view" tab you will see a "view hidden files and folders" click "Show..." and click "OK"

And you will see all the hidden files and folders, but be carefull not to delete system files and folders, you may very well have to re-install windows.

I want to delete some temp files, recent documents, and temporary internet files. I always select the option "show hidden files and folders" in folder option dialog box under tools menu. But at this time it can't allow me to see hidden files and folders.

There should be a checkbox for system files, too. But be careful what you do with that - you can cause major headaches.

You'd really be better off using something like CCleaner to handle it for you.

Hi there.

We went on what you said.

To delete temp internet files; web pages, cookies and history:

Open internet explorer, click on tools on the menu bar then internet options, on the starting panel there should be a delete files option, it varies with the ver of ie, click on delete files and select the ones you want to del and click OK.

As for the other temp files, there is a program called "disk clean up" @ start -> All Programs -> Accessories -> System tools -> Disk clean up.

Additionnal info: Once in a while it is a very good idea to do a Disk Defrag (in the same place as Disk clean up) of your hard drive, it will increase the speed of your system just like when it was new (with all the running tray programs installed).

yup, I use the disk clean up. I am not aware from ccleaner software, so I avioid that way. please let me know which would be more effective?

Hi there.

Why do you need to del temp files?

Disk space, if you are low on disk space it may be time to get a new drive.

When a disk drive is almost full it uses the sectors that are at outer periphery and the heads have to travel from the inner part of the disk to get the location of the sectors to get and then go to the far away sectors to get the data, and then back to the inner part to get more info about the sectors to get or other file requests from other programs, in short the more the heads have to travel the slower the access hence the computer, deleting temp files and defrag will help, but a new drive will help much more.

I was suggested that by removing this files I can increase the speed of system.

Actually this might be true.

BTW. I am amazed how stupid windows are dealing with hidden files.

yes this is the right way to delete temp files and temp internet files too

thanks