Simple file/folder hacks - 01

                The reason for this post to be made is daily appearing questions arise about simple folder/file property changes. Most of you may know all about, but someone may not. So check these facts whether you find something helpful.

                Most of the times i have seen the problems are asked on that someone can't find a file, can't delete, copy or sometimes no permission for a folder etc.. But someone may have a need of doing that thing for their use. So as it's bi-directional, both ways are mentioned here.

*important - here the explanations are done based on windows 7 platform, but there is no much difference in basic meaning. So it will not be a difficult to compare even for a very beginner.

Simplest beginning

Hidden Attribute

    It's a very basic thing that almost everyone knows. We can change properties of files/folders to remove it from appearing under some conditions. It's very simple to do. Go to properties of desired file/folder ( right click -> "Properties" ). Under "General" tab, tick "Hidden" under "Attributes" and Apply+OK.

            When applying this, if there are files/folders inside a folder, you will be asked if you want to apply this setting to the all files and sub folders. So its your decision on what you want to be done.

            Just by doing this, your file/folder might not be invisible. There is a setting to change to make the hidden ones keep hidden or show them. Because if there was no such option, how can we get our hidden files back? Here is how we can change that.

            For that, we have to go to "folder options". I'll show some ways to get that. Or you can just search for folder options in start menu like this. 

OR  in any folder window,

Windows 7 - "Organize" -> "Folder and search options".

In newer versions - under "View" tab, find "Options".

OR in control panel(Start -> Control panel -> Folder Options)

            Now under "View" tab, in advanced settings for Filed and Folders -> Hidden files and folders, mark "Show/Don't show hidden files, folders and drives" and Apply+OK.

In new versions, there is a shortcut provided in the "View" tab of folders to toggle between Show/Hide.

Okay that's how to use the hidden attribute of files/folders. Now you can hide or search for a simple hidden file by using this method.

            As the post is getting longer, it will be better to post as a series of posts for better and easy referring. We'll continue for some advanced facts in oncoming posts step by step. Continue exploring...