Settings in both Windows 7 and Mac OS hide certain files, that is, make them inaccessible to display when you view them on your computer. Files that the system hides are usually system files. If incorrect changes are made to them, this can cause problems with the proper operation of the PC. However, hidden files may also appear when downloading certain types of software - sometimes during installation some files are automatically saved as hidden. The user can also create hidden files at his own discretion.
It may be useful from time to time to be able to see files that are stored on your computer.
So, in order to show hidden files in Windows 7, you should follow the steps below:
Quit all programs completely when you are on your desktop. Select the Start button (this is a small round-shaped button located in the lower left corner of the screen that has a Windows check box). Click on the menu option control panel.
When the control panel opens , click on the “Appearance and Personalization” tab.
Now click on the “Files and Folders” tab and select the option to display hidden drives, folders and files, and enable this item. Then uncheck the boxes under the items about hiding extensions for registered file types and protected system files. Then click “Apply” or “OK”. Once this is done, hidden files should be available for viewing.
To solve this problem in Apple computers and laptops, you should use a slightly different method:
- go to the system address / Applications / Utilities /;
- then enter the commands indicated below, and you can view hidden files.
The default command should look like com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE, type Killall Finder. This will help show hidden Mac files.
What happens when typing the above command?
When you simply use the above entry, displayed by default, it simply shows all the files, including hidden files, no matter what settings were used. After entering Killall Finder a second time, the settings are reloaded, the changes take effect. Do not worry if all the contents of the desktop disappear and reappear when you run this command.
In order to hide them back, you need to make small changes to the above command. After that, you can hide the system files again and continue your work.
By default, the entry should look like this: com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles False, then enter Killall Finder.
Hidden files are returned back to their original position without any problems.
As you can see, all these tips are extremely simple and do not require any special knowledge. Performing this procedure from time to time, you can see the status of your computer and get rid of unnecessary and unused files. Just remember that it is advisable to hide these files after viewing and studying, since the careless deletion of certain data can lead to incorrect computer operation. Also, be careful when installing new programs - this will help to avoid the appearance of unnecessary information on your PC.