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Question about HIDDEN and SYSTEM files

Discussion in 'Legacy Windows' started by rlambert7, 2004/03/05.

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  1. 2004/03/05
    rlambert7

    rlambert7 Inactive Thread Starter

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    ...what exactly are they. Is there a way you can force a file to be "hidden" and/or "system "

    Thanks.
     
    rlambert7,
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  2. 2004/03/05
    TonyT

    TonyT SuperGeek Staff

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    All files have attributes.
    Right click any file on your computer. Then select "properties ". You will see these attributes.

    Hidden files are files that are just that, they are hidden by default.

    System files are files that are crucuial operating system files. These are needed for the operating system to function properly, unlike that file you have (the picture of mom) which is not needed by the operating system.

    Open My Computer by double clicking the icon on desktop. Click the View Menu and then select Folder Options. This opens teh Folder Options dialog. Next, click the View Tab and you can hide or unhide system files.
     
    TonyT,
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  4. 2004/03/05
    rlambert7

    rlambert7 Inactive Thread Starter

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    I have a file where the "hidden" attribute is "grayed out" (actually, "grayed out" and not "checked "). What's up with that? That same file shows no "system" attribute box, "grayed out" or otherwise. However, if, at a DOS command prompt I do a "dir /a:s" (display system attribute files) for that file, it shows up. ??????
     
    rlambert7,
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  5. 2004/03/06
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    What is the name of that file? Under Windows what attribute does it have?
     
    broni,
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  6. 2004/03/06
    rlambert7

    rlambert7 Inactive Thread Starter

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    The file is c:386spart.par. Attributes: archive, hidden, and system (checked and "grayed out ")
     
    rlambert7,
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  7. 2004/03/07
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    I'm little bit confused here, because in your first post, you say:
    and
    Then in your lasr post, you say:
    So, which one is it? Checked, or not?
    Anyway...
    386SPART.PAR is a hidden file created by Windows 3.1 for use as virtual memory swap file. It is generally found in the root directory, however it may appear elsewhere typically in the WINDOWS directory.
    So I have no clue what this file is doing under your Windows 98 (a leftover from an upgrade?)
    I would move it to a Desktop, and keep it there for a couple of days to see, if Windows complain.
     
    broni,
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  8. 2004/03/08
    rlambert7

    rlambert7 Inactive Thread Starter

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    Thanks for all that info...VERRRRY EENTERESTING. I'll bet that file is an upgrade leftover. My wife's son gave her the PC in question some years ago.

    Hey, how about these files: /DOS/TEMP? Could they be upgrade leftovers?

    I think I will try moving /DOS... and that .PAR file, and see what happens.

    As for the descrepancies in the file attributes you asked about, the answer is they are all correct. I know, "HUH!?" Well, there is an explanation, but it could get lengthy, so I'll hold off for now, and supply the explanation only if it becomes necessary.

    Again, thanks for the info.
     
    rlambert7,
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  9. 2004/03/08
    broni

    broni Moderator Malware Analyst

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    I don't even have any DOS directory on my computer...Where do you have it?
     
    broni,
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  10. 2004/03/09
    rlambert7

    rlambert7 Inactive Thread Starter

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    It's at root: C:\DOS. In the TEMP folder under \DOS there are Cookies, History, and Temporary Internet File folders.
     
    rlambert7,
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  11. 2004/03/09
    Zander

    Zander Geek Member Alumni

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    broni
    Windows 3.1 had a c:\dos folder so if the computer ever had Windows 3.1 on it, that's most likely where it came from. If you've never had Win3.1 on your computer, you won't (or shouldn't anyway) have the folder.
     
    Zander,
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