Navigation section

filehiding

About this tag
File hiding in Windows can prevent applications from listing or reading certain system files, even when running as administrator. Users have reported that tools like Cygwin's ls command may show fewer files than Windows Explorer, which respects hidden file settings. This issue often affects files in protected directories such as C:\Windows\System32\drivers. While disabling file hiding options in Explorer may make files visible there, other applications may still be blocked due to system protections or permission settings. Understanding file hiding mechanisms is important for developers and power users who need to access all files in system directories for troubleshooting or application development.
  1. M

    Windows 7 Problems reading or listing certain files in Windows directory

    I've built my own application that searches for files and have set it to run as administrator, however it won't read/detect most of the sys files in c:\windows\system32\drivers. I did some checking and most cygwin EXEs also have the same problem. For example, if I cd to that directory and do...
    • mutantninja
    • Thread
    • administrator application cygwin directory access drivers effectivepermissions executable file list file search file system filehiding permissions read access security sysfiles system32 user rights wfp windows windows 7
    • Replies: 1
    • Forum: Windows Help and Support
Back
Top