How to enable hidden folders in Windows 7?

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around enabling hidden folders in Windows 7, particularly in the context of resolving an issue with Java installation. Participants explore methods to view hidden files and folders, as well as address related concerns about folder properties and user permissions.

Discussion Character

  • Technical explanation
  • Conceptual clarification
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • One participant describes an error encountered during Java installation, specifically related to accessing a hidden folder in the AppData directory.
  • Another participant provides a step-by-step method to enable viewing hidden files in Windows Explorer, detailing the navigation through the folder and search options.
  • A third participant confirms the effectiveness of the provided method for enabling hidden files and shares a personal experience regarding the appearance of desktop icons after modifying folder properties.
  • A later reply discusses the concept of user permissions in Windows, explaining the difference between 'Protected Administrator' and 'Elevated Administrator' modes, and notes that enabling hidden files causes them to appear translucent.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree on the steps to enable hidden folders, but there are varying perspectives on the implications of changing folder properties and the appearance of icons on the desktop. The discussion remains somewhat unresolved regarding the best practices for managing folder visibility and user permissions.

Contextual Notes

Some participants mention potential confusion regarding user modes and the effects of changing folder properties, indicating a need for clarity on these topics. There is also a lack of consensus on whether the translucency of icons is a standard behavior or an issue that needs addressing.

Who May Find This Useful

Users experiencing issues with hidden folders in Windows 7, particularly those dealing with software installation problems or seeking to understand user permissions and folder visibility settings.

yungman
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I have problem installing Java, it gave me:

Installer: Wrapper.CreateFile failed with error 5:Access is denied.

I went online and find this instruction:

1. uninstaller the java
2. enable the hided folder.
3. please find this folder and delete it==>C:\Users\"PC-name"\AppData\LocalLow\Sun

As the name, I went to C:\Users\"PC-name", I don't see \AppData\LocalLow\Sun. How to enable the hided folders in Window 7. How do I know whether I am in the Administrator mode or user mode?
 
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Hidden files have an option to turn on seeing them.

In Windows explorer
-> organize
-> folder and search option
--> view hidden files (radio button to push to turn on an other to turn off)

In the box above select Apply to all folders

Click the Apply button - there you go.
 
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jim mcnamara said:
Hidden files have an option to turn on seeing them.

In Windows explorer
-> organize
-> folder and search option
--> view hidden files (radio button to push to turn on an other to turn off)

In the box above select Apply to all folders

Click the Apply button - there you go.

Thanks, it worked and I delete the SUN folder as per instruction. I managed to install the Java without error message.

But I notice some of my icons on the desktop become translucent! I go to the properties of the folder, it is read only and hidden. I took off both and the folder looks normal now. Is this the way to fix it? Why they become like this?

Thanks
 
By default Windows allows you to run programs and perform tasks in a least-privileged state. What Microsoft calls as a 'Protected Administrator'. From there you can elevate yourself to an 'Elevated Administrator' status. You can self elevate by right clicking an icon and select 'Run as administrator'.

Anytime you enable the option to make hidden files visible, the hidden files/folders will become translucent. You should now be able to hide the hidden folders again with no issues.

Start -> Search: show hidden files and folders -> Select: 'Don't show hidden files, folders, ect'.
 
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