Can't unhide hidden files & folders

[soidif]

Recently I've noticed that my system no longer displays hidden files and folders. I've gone the "Tools>Folder Options>View>Show hidden files and folders" route to no avail.
"Show hidden files and folders" is checked, "Hide protected operating system files" is unchecked.

One thing that is strange is that even when I toggle "Show hidden files and folders" to "Do not show hidden files and folders" then exit the setup menu, when I return "Show hidden files and folders" is active again.

I suspect some type of malware. I currently use Spybot, AdAware, CC Cleaner, and SuperAntiSpyware but all scans come up clean.

Could anyone take a look at a HijackThis log for me or have some recommendations as to how to fix this problem?

Many Thanks

 

[soidif]

Oh, I'm on WIN XP Pro, SP2, all the current patches

 

[SirBlack]

Try downloading AntiVirus/Spyware and Rootkit from

http://free.grisoft.com/.

Update & run each program to see if these apps find something. If not, run Hijackthis scan only & save log to post to this forum. Since all patches have been installed, I'm assuming you've also have kept your other AV/AS apps updated.
Hope this helps, Bob

 

[Spirit]

Is this a corporate machine?

Ifso this may be a group policy setting?

Iain

 

[SirBlack]

Also, have you downloaded & installed Windows Defender. If not, I'd recommend it. It's an excellent tool in combatting spy/malware. It's a free download from MS (I know, it's hard to believe they offer anything that works good & is free). Go to:

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Once you download & install, check for updates before running a scan (it will be auto updated from that point if you've activated Windows Update).
Hope this is a help!
Bob

 

[Geronantimo]

soidif,

Did you resolve this issue?

I have been looking for a solution to exactly the same issue and I discovered what I believe to be an incorrect setting in the registry.

The REG_DWORD "Hidden" in
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\
had a vlaue of "2" - when I changed this to "1", hidden files and folders appeared again in Windows Explorer.

Does this help you, too?

 

[SirBlack]

Great suggestion by Geronantimo but I would suggest exporting a complete copy of your Registry to your Desktop before making any changes there. Save it for at least a week or more (or copy it to a CD/DVD) in case your OS is unhappy with your changes.

Bob

Remember, if you can't stand behind our troops, feel free to step in front of them.

 

[SAGeek]

These settings are often hidden by malware such as RavMon.exe.