From Windows XP onwards Microsoft made some of the Windows files hidden by default to stop them accidentally being changed or deleted. However, you can make a small change to get Windows to show all the files and folders which it usually hides from you, proceed as follows:
- Click Start > Computer (Windows XP users click My Computer).
- Go to Organize > Folder And Search Options (Windows XP users click Tools > Folder Options).
- Click the View tab.
- Check the option Show Hidden Files And Folders and untick Hide Protected Operating System Files.
- Click OK.
In Windows Explorer you’ll now see the Windows and user files which were hidden before.