[Jason]

Windows hides certain files from being seen with Windows Explorer or My Computer. This is to protect them files from being deleted or modified by the user. However, many malware programs can hide themselves from being visible and impossible to find. The below instructions will show you how to show all hidden files and file extensions, making it easier to detect any malware.

Windows 98

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
3. Select the View menu and then click Folder Options.
4. After the new window appears select the View tab.
5. In the Hidden files section select Show all files.
6. Press the Apply button and then the OK button and close the My Computer window.
7. Your computer is now configured to show all hidden files.

Windows ME

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
3. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
4. After the new window appears select the View tab.
5. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
6. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide file extensions for known file types.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
8. Press the Apply button and then the OK button and close My Computer.
9. Your computer is now configured to show all hidden files.

Windows 2000

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
3. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
4. After the new window appears select the View tab.
5. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
6. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide file extensions for known file types.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
8. Press the Apply button and then the OK button and close My Computer.
9. Your computer is now configured to show all hidden files.

Windows XP

1. Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.
2. Double-click on the My Computer icon.
3. Select the Tools menu and click Folder Options.
4. After the new window appears select the View tab.
5. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
6. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide file extensions for known file types.
7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.
8. Press the Apply button and then the OK button and close My Computer.
9. Your computer is configured to show all hidden files.

Windows Vista

1. Close all programs so that you are at the desktop.
2. Right Click Start (lower left corner)
3. Select Explore
4. Select Organize
5. Next, Select Folder and Search Options
6. Now select the View tab
7. Under the Hidden files and folders heading select Show hidden files and folders.
8. Uncheck the Hide extensions for known file types option.
9. Uncheck the Hide protected operating system files (recommended) option.
10. Click Apply and then click OK.
11. Your computer is now configured to show all hidden files.

Conclusion

All viruses/spyware/malware can no longer be invisible from you or your helper.

Remember: Always hide the hidden files and folders after cleaning your computer. Failure to do so may result in you deleting a needed OS file.