Why are some files hidden ?
Windows hides certain files by default. These files are system files used by Windows itself and unless you want to edit them (which requires some windows proficiency) they are perfectly fine to leave hidden. They're hidden to save from accidental deletions, and accidental editing.
Why would you want to show hidden files ?
If you would like to edit for example MSDOS.SYS or any other hidden files you will need to enable the showing of hidden files. You could edit them in DOS where they aren't hidden, but to edit them in Windows you will need to follow this procedure :
How to show Hidden files in Windows Explorer
Open up Windows Explorer, to do so :
Click Start / Programs / Windows Explorer
(On some windows versions you will find windows explorer in Start / Programs / Accessories / Windows Explorer)
The Windows Explorer window will then load
Click from the top toolbar :
View / Folder Options
(NOTE: on Windows 2000 you will need to click Tools / Folder Options)
The folder options window will then load
Now click on the View tab
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(NOTE: The above picture is the folder options / view window that you will see on Windows 2000 Professional Edition. For the purpose of this tutorial this picture illustrates for windows 95/98 users the same folder options / view window that you will see however there will be another option underneath the "Hidden files and folders" subheading)
Look to the white pane of this window titled "Advanced settings:"
Find the subheading "Hidden files and folders"
You will see checkboxes underneath this subheading
Click the checkbox titled "Show hidden files and folders" so that the checkbox now has a dot in it. This will mean that this option has been chosen (see above picture for an example of this)
Then click Apply then OK
You will now be able to see the files that Windows keeps hidden when navigating throughout Windows Explorer.
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