How to view hidden files in Windows and Mac

Settings like in Windows 7, like in the Mac, hide certain files, that is, make them unavailable for display when you scan them on your computer. The files that the system hides are usually related to system files. If any incorrect changes are made to them, this can cause problems with the proper operation of the PC. However, hidden files may appear when loading certain types of software - sometimes during installation some files are automatically saved as hidden files. The user can also create hidden files at his own discretion.

It may be useful from time to time to be able to see such files that are stored on your computer.

So, in order to show the hidden files in Windows 7, you should follow the steps below:

Close all the programs completely when you are on the desktop. Select the "Start" button (this is a small round button located in the lower left corner of the screen that has the Windows check box). Click the control panel option in the menu.

When the control panel opens , click on the "Appearance and Personalization" tab.

Now click on the "Files and Folders" tab and select the item about displaying hidden disks, folders and files, and enable this item. Then uncheck the checkboxes under the clauses on hiding extensions for files of registered type and protected system files. Then click "Apply" or "OK". Once this is done, the hidden files should become available for viewing.

To solve this problem in computers and laptops, Apple should use a slightly different way:

- Go to the system address / Applications / Utilities /;

- then enter the commands listed below and you will be able to view the hidden files.

The default command should have the following form com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles TRUE, type the Killall Finder command. This will help show hidden Mac files.

What happens when you type the above command?

When you just use the above entry, which is displayed by default, it simply shows all the files, including hidden files, regardless of which settings were used. After entering Killall Finder a second time, the settings are reloaded, the changes take effect. Do not worry if all the contents of the desktop disappear and reappear when you execute this command.

To hide them back, you need to make small changes in the above command. After that, you can hide the system files again and continue your work.

By default, the entry should look like this: com.apple.finder AppleShowAllFiles False, then type Killall Finder.

Hidden files are returned back to their original position without any problems.

As you can see, all these tips are extremely simple and do not require any special knowledge. Performing this procedure from time to time, you can see the status of your computer and get rid of unnecessary and unused files. Just remember that it is desirable to hide these files after viewing and learning, as inadvertent deletion of certain data may lead to incorrect operation of the computer. Also, be careful when installing new programs - this will help avoid unnecessary information on your PC.