Windows system32 file

I have windows XP professional on my computer. I can't see my system 32 file, though it is there, I can see it being scanned when I run a scan.
My husband have the same copy of windows on his computer and everything looks as it should. I've reinstalled windows, but that didn't fix the problem.

I have since formatted my hard drive and reloaded everything, but still can't see the file.

Can anyone help, please?

 

jamilah--Of possible help
http://archives.devshed.com/forums/...4/w2k3----i-lost-system32-folder-1763060.html
Note, also, the possibility of spyware.
Have you run a Start|Search for System32? I am sure you have the folder. (It is C:\Windows\System32--change the C: if your hard drive has a different letter.)
Your PC would not run without many of the files it contains.

 

I've done a search, showed no results. The file is there, but somehow hidden. Even if I search hidden files, I can't see it. I looked at the link you suggested and it seems the person had the same problem as me. Will try what he did.

Thanks for the help

 

Open up any folder and select Tools on the Menu bar then Folder Options. Select the View tab and uncheck the options hide protected system files and select View hidden files instead of the default hide hidden files.

 

Thanks guys. The problem is solved. I did a command promp...
"attrib -a -h -r -s C:\windows\system32" and it is showing now.

 

jamilah--Thanks for posting back. Glad to hear a suggestion helped.

 

hmm ... system32 is a system folder and maybe u should check the tools/folderops/view settings and ensure that 'view contents of system folders' is checked. i'd opt that method in lieu of attrib commands on system folders

 

Gotta agree with skeet on this one. I wouldn't want to remove all the attributes from a system folder either. Why? Just because.

 

yeah zander ... while i don't see anything specifically bad w/ attrib on system stuff ... it's prolly not a great idea

 

Zander and skeet6961--My Folder Options|View tab does not have "Display the contents of folder contents" checked, but I can see System32 folder just fine. It does not seem to be a hidden folder since it is not greyed out.
So I am not sure that unchecking that box (even if it was checked) would have helped jamilah.
Perhaps, however, jamilah could put back the "Read Only" attribute to see if that still allows the System32 folder to be seen. And then the Read Only protection, which I suspect is the reason for your comments, to be reinstated.

 

my point wasn't about viewing it. i know it's viewable. but ... if it exists under the win folder and u don't have view system folder content checked, u'll have to opt in each time. hence the reason to note the view option.

the point was running attrib commands on system folder to 'fix' them is probably not a great idea. u can easily reach any system folder by just typing it's path in explorer. given proper rights etc.

but i DO think there's more to the story here that just not (yet?) in the OPs post. it's in the details

 

skeet6961--

jamilah could not see the System32 folder. That was the problem.

I do not understand "opt in ". I am not aware that I am "opting in" whenever I want to see the contents of System32. I just click on it. But it probably is not worth much more time discussing since jamilah's problem seems solved.

 

system 32 folder with all new comps is hidden for security purposes. all you have to do is unhide it. i think it can be done as easily as opening the c: drive or the master drive then right-clicking, select show hidden folders.

 

ministone22--Maybe my 1½ year old Dell Dimension 4600 running WinXP Pro SP2 is an "old computer ", but as I stated

I do have the "Show Hidden Files and Folders" box checked. In the case of hidden folders they are now visible but in a faded color (though they can be opened). On my PC, System32's icon is in the regular color, not faded.
Also if I right click on the System32 folder, then Properties, the Hidden attribute box is not checked.
I do not think System32 is a hidden file.

 

just commenting on the fix is not the way i would recommend. my point is moot more or less as i wasn't trying to solve it. just saying that i would avoid the method the OP used. that's all.

opt in = must click 'show me the contents of this folder ...' link if u don't have the checkbox 'view content of system folders' on.

 

That option was checked and I could still not see system 32. Thanks for the suggestion anyway. I am no expert lol, but having all these problems, I am quickly learning.