Re: Removing 'Hidden' status?

"Wesley Vogel" <123WVogel955@xxxxxxxxxxx> wrote:

Thanks, but it's inaccessible. Greyed out and doesn't respond to
clicking.

The files probably have the System attribute set as well as Hidden.

There is a fourth state, like on a System folder, Content.IE5 for example,
where the Hidden attribute is grayed out and unavailable with no checkmark
at all. Even the word Hidden is in an engraved like font, looks like it is
carved into the background. There is a fifth state, like on a desktop.ini
file, where the Hidden attribute is grayed out and unavailable, the word
Hidden in the engraved like font, but there is a gray checkmark.

There is a fourth state, sounds like the begining of a Twilight Zone
episode. ;-)

Read-only attribute describes a file that may only be read. A Read-Only file
can be viewed, but not changed. R

Hidden attribute, the file is hidden. It is not included in an ordinary
directory listing. Hidden file attribute specifies the way in which
operating system and various programs should treat the file or folder with
this attribute. By default hidden files and folders are not listed with DIR
command and not shown in Windows dialogue boxes. H

System attribute is usually used jointly with hidden and read only
attributes to provide maximum protection of system files. System attribute
is usually regarded by programs as a mandatory rule which forbids any
actions to be taken upon files or folders marked with this attribute. RHS

You can only view the System attribute by using the attrib command or by
selecting Attributes in Choose Details in a folder. On the View menu, click
Choose Details, then check Attributes.

To use the attrib command. In the directory where the file is located,
enter:

attrib filename.ext

Replace filename.ext with the full name of the file.

You should see something like:

A SHR FILENAME.EXT C:\FILENAME.EXT

The initials on the left stand for the first letter of the enabled
attribute: A for Archive, S for System, H for Hidden, and R for Read Only.

And how do I uncheck it?

You can only change the System attribute by using the attrib command. And
you can only change the Hidden attribute by using the attrib command.

If the you remove the Hidden attribute and try to delete one of the files
that still has the System attribute set you will get a warning, but you can
still delete the file.

Type: attrib /? in a command prompt for Help.

To remove Hidden.

attrib -h c:\Path_to_file

Or cd to the the folder that the file is in and then use the command:

attrib -h filename.ext

To remove Hidden and System.

attrib -s -h c:\Path_to_file

Or cd to the the folder that the file is in and then use the command:

attrib -s -h filename.ext

Also for Attrib help.
Paste the following line into Start | Run and click OK...

hh ntcmds.chm::/attrib.htm

Thanks Wes, very helpful.

After some failures (I think because I was also using the /d switch) I
eventually tried this from a Command Prompt:

D:\My Music>attrib -s -h *.jpg /s

Bingo - all 356 JPGs are now 'normal' again! The most immediate
advantage is that their thumbnails are now not glazed over with a grey
mask.

I did also post in microsoft.public.windowsxp.music, hoping for some
explanation as to why these are hidden anyway, but had no response.

--
Terry, West Sussex, UK
.

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