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Attrib.

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Change File Attributes,


create super hidden private
files & folders using
attrib.exe

Attrib.exe is a Windows operating system file located inthe C:\Windows


\System32 folder. It allows you to display or change file attributes. The
function of the attrib command is to set, change or remove such file
attributes Using the attrib command, you can make files read-only,
archive, system and hidden.

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What are File Attributes

A file attribute is metadata that is associated with any file on your


computer and describes or keeps track of informationlike when the file
was created or modified, file size, file extensions and file permissions.

The Windows operating system offers four attributes for files and folders.
They are:
Read-only r : These are readable, but cannot be changed

System s : For use by the operating system and not normally


displayed in a directory listing

Hidden h : They are not displayed in a directory listing by default


Archive a : For backing up or copying files

How to change File Attributes


using attrib.exe

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These attributes can be set using [+] or removed using [-] commands.

To see the file attributes, you have to right-clickon the file or folder and
select Properties. In Windows 8, Windows 7 or Windows Vista, you will
see only the Read-only and Hidden check boxes. To see the Archive check
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If you wish to see the syntax for the Attrib command, type attrib /? at the
command prompt and hit Enter.

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Create a super hidden private


file or folder

As a Windows end-user, we can use this feature to create ahidden private


file or folder on our Windows computer. Lets say you have a normal
folder named Private on your desktop, and you want to make it hidden.
To do so, open command prompt, and type the following in it and hit
Enter. Here ACK is my Username, so make sure you use yours in its place.

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attrib +s +h C:\Users\ACK\Desktop\Private

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This will make the folder a system folder AND a hidden folder.
However, if you use -s +h it will make the folder an ordinary hidden
folder only.

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To see it, you have to via Folder Options, check Show hidden files, folders
and drivesand uncheck Hide protected operating system files. Or via CMD
you can simply use -s-h instead of the above command.

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/uploads/2012/02/folder-hidden-options.jpg)

Ofcoursethis method is not fool-proof, but its good enough a way to


keep your folders secret and hidden from most prying eyes. If you are
looking for more, you can checkout this free file and folder encryption
software (http://www.thewindowsclub.com/1-second-folder-encryptionfreeware-for-windows-7).

Make a list of all hidden system


files and folders

In the rare eventuality that you forget the name of the folder, but know
the location or vice versa, you can run the following command.
attrib C:\*.* /s|find A SH>C:\hiddensystemfiles.txt&notepad
C:\hiddensystemfiles.txt

This will output the list of all hidden system folders on your C drive.

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(http://thewindowsclub.thewindowsclubco.netdna-cdn.com/wp-content
/uploads/2012/02/hidsysfiles.jpg)

You can of coursemodify the syntax suitable to search for only select
locations also.

File attribute changer freeware

If you are looking for a freeware tool to change file and folder attributes
and properties quickly, you can check out Attribute Changer. It is a tool
for power users to change all kind of file and folder attributes, date, time
and even NTFS compression. Exif date and time information stored in
digital images are also easily altered with Attribute Changer
(http://www.thewindowsclub.com/change-file-folder-attributeswith-attribute-changer-in-windows-7).
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Posted by AnandK@TWC

(http://www.thewindowsclub.com/author/anand) on
February 15, 2012 , in Category Windows

(http://www.thewindowsclub.com/category/windows) with
Tags Features (http://www.thewindowsclub.com

/tag/features), Files (http://www.thewindowsclub.com


/tag/files)

Anand Khanse aka HappyAndyK is an end-user

08/04/2016 01:05 PM

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Windows enthusiast, a Microsoft MVP in Windows,


since 2006, and the Admin of TheWindowsClub.com.
Please read the entire post & the comments first,
create a System Restore Point before making any
2016 The Windows Club (http://www.thewindowsclub.com) All Rights Reserved
changes to your system & be careful about any
3rd-party offers while installing freeware.

08/04/2016 01:05 PM

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