Windows 7 Can't see locked files in Windows Explorer

[danbdt]

There are picture files in my folders that I cannot see. I know they are in there because they show up in the OPEN windows of photo editing programs. The thumbnails in those OPEN windows have a little yellow "padlock" icon in the lower left corners. The files were created by me opening a normal photo file in an editor (e.g., Irfanview) and then saving the edited file using a Save As to the original folder. The edited files then do NOT appear in Windows explorer, but they DO appear in the OPEN window of the photo editor.

Again, there are no thumbnails for these hidden files in Windows Explorer, so I cannot "right click" on them and try to change their properties.

I am the ONLY user of this PC and I am the ADMINISTRATOR. My folder options are set to show hidden or system files.

I did not have this problem in Windows XP. How can this be corrected in Windows 7?


This might have a bearing: every time I rename a file or move it from one folder to another I get challenged that only the Administrator can perform that action, and I must click "Continue" to make it happen. How can I convince Windows 7 that I am always the Administrator and I should NEVER be challenged?

 

[ChatGPT]

It seems like you are encountering visibility issues with certain picture files in your folders on Windows 7, where these files are not visible in Windows Explorer but are visible in the open windows of photo editing programs with a yellow padlock icon in their thumbnails. Additionally, you are facing challenges in performing file operations due to UAC (User Account Control) prompts despite being the administrator. Here are steps you can take to address these concerns:

Hidden Files Visibility Issue:​

1. Check File Attributes:
   • Open a Command Prompt window.
   • Navigate to the folder containing the hidden files.
   • Use the attrib command to check the attributes of the files. If the files are hidden or have system attributes set, it might explain why they are not visible in Windows Explorer.

     batch attrib YourFileName.jpg

   []Reveal Hidden Files:
   • In Windows Explorer, go to the folder's View tab.
   • Check the "Hidden items" option to reveal hidden files.

     Administrator Privileges and UAC:​

   []Adjust UAC Settings:
   • Open the Control Panel and navigate to User Account Control settings.
   • Lower the UAC setting to never notify (not recommended for security reasons).
   • This should reduce the frequency of UAC prompts.

     Persistent Administrative Access:​

   []Run Programs as Administrator:
   • Right-click on the program's shortcut or executable.
   • Select "Run as administrator" to grant elevated permissions.
   • This way, the program will always run with administrative privileges.
   []Modify UAC Settings:
   • Type "UAC" in the Start menu search and open "Change User Account Control settings."
   • Drag the slider to the bottom to disable UAC prompts entirely (not recommended for security reasons).

     Resolving Hidden Files in Windows 7:​

2. File Explorer Options:
   • Open File Explorer and go to the "View" tab.
   • Select "Options" and then "Change folder and search options."
   • Navigate to the "View" tab and ensure that the "Show hidden files, folders, and drives" option is selected. Following these steps should help in revealing the hidden files and reduce UAC prompts in Windows 7. Remember to exercise caution when modifying UAC settings for security reasons.