Here is a foolproof trick to hide any file/folder you might not want others to see without buying expensive software. I successullly tested this technique in Windows XP Service Pack 2, and it worked fine for me.For demonstration I have created a folder ‘New’ in C drive.
Hiding the file
- Go to Command prompt.
- Type in ‘attrib +h +r +s c:\ New’ and press enter. The folder will disappear from view.
Un hiding the file
- Go to Command prompt.
- Type in ‘attrib -h -r -s c:\ New’ and press enter. The folder will reappear.
The good thing about this approach is that the hidden folder cannot be seen by using show hidden files and folders in folders option. And no one can use this method to un hide files unless they know the name of the desired folder.
NOTE: You got to be careful because if you forget the name of the folder you will not be able to view it yourself.
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Thu, 04/19/2007 - 12:09
This does work if I am viewing through a command window, but I can see the folder from Explorer.
Thu, 04/19/2007 - 12:20
I dont think it can be accessed through explorer, you have to un-hide through DOS command.
One small bug in this techniques is that when you give the command "dir /a" the hidden folder is visible in command window. Off course you have to go to the directory where you placed the hidden file/folder. This is not a major problem if you are a home user.
Thu, 04/19/2007 - 12:30
I went back and tried again... same result. The folder is definitely visible in explorer, indicated as a hidden folder, but definitely visible.
Thu, 04/19/2007 - 12:43
So what did you do to show the folder in explorer, Without giving the DOS unhide command?
Thu, 04/19/2007 - 13:10
I do have the 'Show Hidden Folders' enabled in explorer all the time, is it possible that this took priority over the DOS command?
Thu, 04/19/2007 - 13:46
On my system, enabling
Tools>Folder Options>Show Hidden Files and Folder
does not display the hidden files created as specified.
Maybe there is some incompatibility in Operating System's Version. My XP SP2 does not allow this. Can you please tell version of your OS?
Thu, 04/19/2007 - 14:04
XP Professional Version 2002 Service Pack 2. I also tried this on my Laptop which has XP Media Center Edition installed (Version 2002 Service Pack 2) and I get the same results. I am going to have some of my fellow workers try and I'll post their results.
Thu, 04/19/2007 - 14:18
That would be great. I still can't figure out how its working on my system. Maybe there are some extra security settings.
Wed, 04/25/2007 - 18:31
Great trick, works for me. ie hidden folder doesnt show in explorer even if show hidden fs is turned on. but im running xp home 5.1 sp2
Thu, 04/26/2007 - 02:56
Great to hear that, the trick worked for all of my friends as well.