Protected operating system files are ones which Microsoft deems too important to let you accidentally delete, open, or corrupt one. In Windows 7, Microsoft hides these files to help reduce the change that user error will break Windows. If you are a power user, or need to do something “out of the box” to fix your system, you can show these files so that you can access files within the Windows system directory or perhaps a file in your personal profile. There are many times when I need to track down a file in my profile and during these times, I show the protected operating system files. You will likely need to also show hidden files as well. Here’s how you unhide those files:

1. Click on the Start menu. Click on Computer.
   
2. Click on the Organize button. Click on Folder and Search Options.
3. Click on the View tab.
   
4. Uncheck the checkbox next to Hide protected operating system files (Recommended).
5. Click Yes to the warning message.
6. Click OK to show the protected operating system files.