Explorer Replacement?
I understand that Explorer is programmed to not show all files. For example one type of file maybe directories whose names start with a "$" sign. I'd like to look and see what's really in the file system. Thank you, Renee
January 16th, 2011 5:40pm

The dollar sign is used to hide share-names over a network, but doesn't actually hide you from seeing a folder that is named as such. In fact, you are free to see these files by just turning on the display: 1 - Type the word folder into your Start menu's search box (at the bottom) and then choose the Folder Options link that appears. 2 - On the View tab, set both these options as so: (o) Hide protected operating system files -- OFF (o) Show hidden files, folders, and drives -- ON 3 - When you click OK, all files will be shown to you. WARNING Note: do not try to modify files unless you are very clear about what you are doing. For example, with these options set as I have described, you will see folders that appear to be inaccessible to you, such as C:\Documents and Settings. If you try to gain control over this or other similar folder junction points (it is not really a folder in Windows 7), many programs will cease working. Changes such as this cannot easily be repaired, and changes you make to your files and folders may require a reinstallation of the operating system. After you have satisfied your curiosity, I strongly recommend you turn those options back off to hide your critical system files and simply use your computer normally. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!
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January 16th, 2011 5:54pm

Shawn those were already set. I asked about an Explorer replacement. Renee
January 16th, 2011 6:40pm

As it turns, shares are not the only directories that start with a "$" sign. There are: $MFTMirr $LogFile $Volume $Bitmap $boot $BadClu:$Bad $Extend\$Quota Renee
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January 16th, 2011 9:57pm

As it turns, shares are not the only directories that that start with a "$" sign. There are: $MFTMirr $LogFile $Volume $Bitmap $boot $BadClu:$Bad $Extend\$Quota Renee
January 16th, 2011 10:01pm

" I strongly recommend you turn those options back off to hide your critical system files and simply use your computer normally." I normally run with these settingd. I was a Pricipal Softare Engineer for one of the largest computer vendors. Renee
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January 16th, 2011 10:12pm

I did not state nor imply that there were no folders named as such. The recycle bin is also a system directory that begins with a "$" sign. However, Explorer will happily show you these folders, no need for any alternate file browser. You asked how to see all files. I'm here to inform you that Explorer will show you all files, no need for a replacement. If you do want a replacement however, you can use alternate shells. Keep in mind, however, that the kernal is still capable of hiding file display requests (this is how rootkits hide files). To truly see all files unconditionally, you'd have to boot another OS. If this was helpful, please vote by clicking the green triangle. If it solves the issue, click Propose as Answer. Thanks!
January 16th, 2011 11:42pm

As it turns, shares are not the only directories that start with a "$" sign. There are: $MFTMirr $LogFile $Volume $Bitmap $boot $BadClu:$Bad $Extend\$Quota Renee those entries are no folders, those are NTFS metadata. "A programmer is just a tool which converts caffeine into code" CLIP- Stellvertreter http://www.winvistaside.de/
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January 17th, 2011 1:25pm

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