If the option to enable "Show Hidden Files and Folders" is MISSING from your Folders Options > View > Advanced Settings, find this key in your registry:
[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden]
Modify the string value "Type" and enter "group" as value data.
After the edit is complete hit F5 to refresh, and go look in your Folder Options.
How to Get "Show Hidden Files and Folders" Back if it is Missing
Posted in Windows XP by Community Submission