I have been looking for some files on my system. Windows search wouldn't find them. Found a tool online that did a search for duplicate files and sure enough it found the files I have been looking for. Looking at the properties it says they are hidden files. Soooo, I went to control panel, appearance/themes, folder options -- selected show hidden files. How some ever, when I then look for the files I still don't see them other than inside this tool I downloaded. So what gives? Seems like if I know where the files are and have enabled looking at hidden files then I should see them, no? Thanks for any advice, consultation, or help.

Login as the administrator and in Control Pannel/User Accounts add your user name to the administrators group. Logout and login with your user name, you will see the hidden folders. Depending on what the folder is, it may be hidden for a reason so be careful what you do in those folders.

Well, I was logged in as owner, which has administrator privilege.

I just tried logging out and back in - didn't help. Is there some kind of universal setting or something that I am missing?

If you are member of the Administrators group and have Show hidden files and folders selected that should allow you to see hidden folders. In the folder options window you might also want to check Display the contents of system folders and uncheck Hide protected operating system files. You should be able to see everything, just be careful what you delete.

Ok -- Thanks, that did the trick. I allowed myself to look at system files and that took care of it (I could now see these hidden files). So I went back and changed it back and sure enough I couldn't see them. These mystery files are Album Art for Music files. So, next question.

Why on earth would they be designated as System Files?

Good question... what program downloaded them?

LimeWire -- My wife uses it every day.

My suggestion is to get slimewire off your system, that software is riddled with malware.

I have heard that about Limewire before but apparently it only applies to videos which my wife never does, she is strictly into music. I think I would have better luck pulling her teeth than in removing Limewire. That is unless perhaps you are aware of a suitable substitute? Before we leave this topic -- do you perceive any risk with deleting these albumart files even though they are designated as system files? Thanks for all your help.