How to Enable ‘Show Hidden Files and Folders’ Option When Disabled by a Virus

When your computer is often affected by a virus, the ‘Show Hidden Files and Folder’ option vanishes. Altogether, it doesn’t function properly and neither does it work even if you select the option. What happens is that the dialog completely disappears from the list of options. When this happens, it means your computer has been the victim of a virus attack and this lead to the Windows registry not being able to be updated. Here’s what you can do to resolve this issue.

Registry Editing

Click on Start and go to the Run option.

In the search bar, type in regedit and click on OK.

Once the Registry Editor has opened, look for the following key: HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL.

Look at the CheckedValue key. This will be a DWORD key. If this isn’t deleted, delete it. Create a new key with the name CheckedValue as a DWORD (hexdecimal) with a value of 1.

Open up My Computer and go to the Tools > Folder Options. Click on the View tab to carry on.

The Show Hidden Files and Folders check box should be working normally now.

An Alternative – Application

If you don’t want to use the procedure mentioned above, you can always download the Smart Virus Remover. This is a lightweight application that helps to eliminate 55 different types of viruses and has a unique feature of being able to restore your system back to the way it was prior to the virus attach. It can restore your Task Manager, Registry etc.

Using this tool, you can restore your Windows settings and get back the Show Hidden Files and Folders option.

Let us know if this article on How to Enable ‘Show Hidden Files and Folders’ Option When Disabled by a Virus was helpful or not. We provide you all with the latest tips and techniques to enhance your computing experience. Stay connected with us at Skidzopedia to get your daily dose from the computer world. Image Courtesy: AddictiveTips