How to view hidden files in windows explorer

[drumz]

Using Vista Home Premium - Optioned so I can see system and hidden files.
Multi-part Q using Windows Explorer:
1) Can't see hidden (I suppose) files in "Program Files" folder
a) In XP I can see the folder under PrintMaster (USER001 and subs) but not
in Vista
2) Same folder, do a properties right click and take away read-only, asks
for permissions and grant them but after that, each time I recheck the folder
it is read-only again!
3) As far as I know I'm the admin... but it seems like not really based on
the above; how do I by-pass these restrictions (I'm a 20 year IT
professional) by either being able to log in as the administrator or give me
(the only user) those rights/permissions?

Thanks very much for your assistance!

 

[Synapse Syndrome]

Using Vista Home Premium - Optioned so I can see system and hidden files.
Multi-part Q using Windows Explorer:
1) Can't see hidden (I suppose) files in "Program Files" folder
a) In XP I can see the folder under PrintMaster (USER001 and subs) but
not
in Vista

What is PrintMaster? This is not a part of Windows, so I do not know what
you are expecting to see.

2) Same folder, do a properties right click and take away read-only, asks
for permissions and grant them but after that, each time I recheck the
folder
it is read-only again!

This is no different to how it appears in XP. That greyed-out tick means
that the folder contains files and folder that may or not have file that are
read-only. Therefore, it is meaningless, as the contents of the folder are
unchecked - that it what it is telling you. There are people in this
newsgroup (including MVPs) that might tell you that the hidden attribute
does not apply to folders. Ignore them. Check at the command line using
DIR /a:h, to see for sure.

3) As far as I know I'm the admin... but it seems like not really based on
the above; how do I by-pass these restrictions (I'm a 20 year IT
professional) by either being able to log in as the administrator or give
me
(the only user) those rights/permissions?

Because lamer users ran as admin all the time in XP, and did not realise you
could live life just as easily using right-click-run as ... or drag
installation files over a Command Prompt that has been RUNAS Administrator,
and run Control Panel and mmc snap-ins, so they actually got malware,
Microsoft invented UAC, to cater for all these idiots. It has made Windows
quite tragic for power-users, in a lot of ways. You need to elevate the CMD
prompt by right-clicking the shortcut, but you will still come across
confusing when running automated scripts and commands across network.

ss.

 

[Peter Foldes]

Applies to Vista also

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=308421