HOW TO: Show All Files Automatically in System Folders

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This article was previously published under Q235654

SUMMARY

This article describes how to disable the following warning message when you enter system folders on a Windows 2000-based computer:

This folder contains files that keep your system working properly. There is no need to modify its contents. To view this folder, click: Show Files

WARNING: This article is intended for Power Users and Administrators who need to gain access to the system folders frequently and are aware of the consequences of editing system files. If you edit your system files you can make your computer unstable.

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Disabling the Warning Message

Right-click My Computer, and then click Explore.
On the Tools menu, click Folder Options.
On the View tab, click Show hidden files and folders, and then click OK.
Browse to one of the following folders
- \WINNT
- \WINNT\SYSTEM32
- \Program Files
where WINNT is the name of the folder where Windows is installed, and then click Show Files.
Rename the Desktop.ini file to Desktop.bak. For information about how to rename a file, click Start, click Help, type renaming files, and then click Display.
Repeat steps 4-6 for each folder you want to configure.