My preference has always been to set up Windows to show the hidden files, hidden folders and the extensions to files and programs.  I prefer to have control and see exactly what I have on the PC.  Microsoft hides these on the basis that these are normally Windows operating system files and folders or that the extensions are just not needed to be seen. 

     I can see the point if you have a pc that is used by many people (like small kids) or a complete new pc user who wouldn’t know any better, since you cant see the file or folder then you cant delete it.  The problem with that is, the many of the Virus and Malware writers use that same feature to hide the files that infect your pc. 

     Additionally, I guess it assumed that hiding the .exe or .jpg (etc) from files would be for the benefit of users who don’t know any better and would get confused by it.  However because the extensions are hidden by default in Windows, the setting allows virus writers to distribute executable files (files that can be installed on your pc causing you to get infected) disguised as something non-executable (like a picture or . For example, an .EXE file might appear to be an innocuous text file.

So as a recommendation here is how to unhide files, folders, and extensions in Windows Vista and Windows 7.

Close all programs so that you are at your desktop.

 

1. Click on the Start button.
2. Click on the Control Panel menu option.
3. When the control panel opens you will be either in Category View or Large (or Small) Icon view:
   *In either case change the setting to Large Icon View to make the following steps easier (See  examples below – Where arrow Points)

         Category View

Large Icon View

           4. Click on Folder Options in the Window

           5. Click on the View tab.

           6. Under the Hidden files and folders section select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders 

           7. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide extensions for known file types.

           8. Remove the checkmark from the checkbox labeled Hide protected operating system files.

       (After you have done the steps your window should look like the example below)

**With that you will now see all files on your pc and see the extension for all files and programs.  Note that most of the hidden files are Windows files and are required for your computer to operate correctly, so as always NO DONT DELETE ANYTHING UNLESS YOUR ABSOLUTELY SURE YOU KNOW WHAT IT IS AND THAT YOU DONT NEED IT.