Hide Folders and Files Using System File Attribute
I like keeping my folders tidy. In Windows XP, it's an easier task because there aren't many things in the user directory that can make things look cluttered. However, in Vista, there are three things that I just can't stand looking at: the AppData folder and the ntuser.dat.LOG files. There is simply no need for me to mess with the ntuser.dat.LOG files, and I hardly need to access files in AppData. I can't delete them, so I hide them.
Just a note before going on: The following instructions rely on a setting in Vista. The key is to have "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" checked. By default, this setting is already checked, but you can double check by clicking on "Organize" on any Windows Explorer window, and choosing "Folder and Search Options". On the "Folder Options" window, click the "View" tab and it should be as shown below.
In some cases, I need access to files that are hidden by default and I've set Vista to show hidden files and folders, hence setting the "Hidden" attribute on folders and files isn't sufficient.
Moving on: Set the "System File" Attribute for files you want to hide
Now that you've set Vista to hide system files, we can use the command prompt to make folders and files have the "system file" attribute.
- Open a Command Prompt window. (Start->All Programs->Accessories->Command Prompt). For some files, this must be run with Administrator privileges . In that case, right click on Command Prompt, and click “Run as administrator.”
- By default it should already open in the "C:\Users\[your_username]" directory.
- Type "attrib +S +H AppData" to hide the AppData directory.
- Type "attrib +S +H ntuser.dat.LOG1" to hide ntuser.dat.LOG1.
- Type "attrib +S +H ntuser.dat.LOG2" to hide ntuser.dat.LOG2.
- Look at your user directory in Windows Explorer and they should not be showing anymore. (A refresh might be required to see the changes)
This should also work on any folder or file, and I don't find any reason why this wouldn't work in Windows XP or Windows 2000, but I could be wrong. If you're using another version of Windows, getting to the "Folder Options" might be a little different.
Also, be cautious when deleting folders and files. Remember the ones you've hidden!
If you ever need to undo this, simply substitute the "+S +H" with an "-S -H" in the instructions above.
Tags: How To, Tips, Vista, Windows
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Comments
Of course it this depends on how often you access AppData, etc. This wouldn't be too useful if you need access to the folders every so often.
i never like the os to hide any kind of file.its one thing to lock and prevent the file from accidental deletion and another to completely hide the files :D
Feb 7, 2008 3:52 AM
Although I myself prefer to see all my files, since I know what they do, I found this option to be a lifesaver when I was setting my mother's system. She is close to being computer illiterate and more than once has caused the system to crash and forced me to reinstall it. Guess what ? Not anymore!
Nice info, I used to use Attrib to show hidden files caused by viruses, it's really useful tool from windows because we can't change files Attribute using file properties or change hidden option from Folder Option.
Btw it's a nice blog.
May 1, 2009 7:38 AM
Thanks for this informations its very useful for me but the question is did this septs works in all microsoft windows or just in vista?Thanks
Mohamad ElGammal
I believe it works with Windows 95 and up.
Dec 10, 2009 6:13 AM
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Jan 25, 2008 9:44 PM