Cannot view all folders on C:drive

[seebee]

Is it possible to view C:program data files?
The Directory view in 'file system' doesn't show 'Program Data'. Do others' computers have this folder? All of my texture pictures are in this folder that are connected with another program, but ASP doesn't show it. I can open single files only throught File>open file..
(PSP is the same)
Thanks for input.

[RickHeath]

I could't see "Program Data" in ASP because it is a hidden folder (& I presume ASP uses its own folder tree viewer in the file system tab that doesn't show hidden folders but uses the normal Windows one in File>Open). If you change the "hidden" setting (you only need to change the setting to that folder not subfolders as well when Windows asks) it is then visible in ASP's File System tab (& probably PSP too ).

Rick.

[seebee]

.. thanks

[seebee]

Be warned, it s best not to change the default settings of this folder.
"If you value a stable operating systems, don't play with this folder Program Data folder is like the Local Settings folder in Windows XP, it's not for deleting, it cotains the setting of your installed programs. Any missed files in that directory it could lead to non-working programs "

[afx]

Be warned, it s best not to change the default settings of this folder.
"If you value a stable operating systems, don't play with this folder Program Data folder is like the Local Settings folder in Windows XP, it's not for deleting, it cotains the setting of your installed programs. Any missed files in that directory it could lead to non-working programs "

Typical MS Nonsense...
If a folder needs protections, there should be no permissions to write to it, but keeping it hidden is just braindead.

But it is also totally braindead to store user data under that directory tree. Apps that do that should be shunned.

cheers
afx

[claudermilk]

I don't totally disagree with the warnings. This is where programs should be storing their general settings and you really need to know what you are doing when messing around in there. I do agree wit afx that USER data does not belong there--that is why there is the User\<account>\AppData directory structure; and again, you really should know what you are doing when messing in that space as well.

I don't think the Linux world attitude of show everything is necessarily the best course. If you are running Linux it can be safely assumed you know what you are doing; however, the vast majority of Windows users really would prefer it to work more as an applicance: turn it on & it goes. They don't need to even see some of these areas of the file system--they will just get confused & plenty will go dinking around in there & kill their system. Me, one of the first things I do is flip that switch so I can see everything, but I know what I'm doing in those areas.

[klaxian]

1. Not everyone who uses Linux knows what they're doing. In fact, Linux is gaining a lot more mainstream popularity than it once had, especially outside the US (though there is a long way to go). Canonical, makers of Ubuntu, are greatly responsible for this. My grandfather uses Linux.
2. Linux does indeed have many hidden files/folders. Anything starting with a period (.) is hidden by default and there is an option to show hidden files.
3. On Linux, files and directories that shouldn't be touched have their privileges set accordingly.
4. All of a user's files are stored within their Home directory. This makes it very easy to find files for novices, a breeze to backup, etc.

[seebee]

After unhiding the program data folder for the purposes intended, I then rechecked the folders to recreate them as 'hidden' (I didn't recognise that the original suggestion that you only need to unhide single folders could well have been a warning). Some programs did not work correctly and most of the 'Start' menu items had gone. I then changed the status of the data folder back to unhidden.
I would like to take the folder back to hidden status if possible. Do any of you 'bright sparks' (complimentary term) have anything to suggest?

[afx]

Either leave it visible or check manually which apps need specific directories that are unhidden.
I personally would not bother to hide that stuff again. As long as the permissions do not allow writing by the regular user, there is no risk.

cheers
afx

[seebee]

For the benefit of annyone following this, I received the following from Microsoft Answers..
"Click the start button and click on your user name listed near the top,
Click on Organize on the top left,
Go to the View section,
Check the box to hide Protected system folders,
Click on apply to folders on the top then apply and okay on the bottom.
Also check and see if Show hidden folders, files and drives is checked, if so uncheck it and check don't show.....
Shell commands,
http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/49 ... mmand.html
Another thought would be to right click this folder and click on Restore previous version,
This basicly works off restore points."