Hidden folders in WinXP

[Asha'man X]

Hey guys

I have just discovered on our family pc that the option to show Hidden Files and Folders under Folder Options no longer works. You select to show the files, click OK, and close the window. Next time you go back there it's been set back to Do not show.

I had this problem in the past but can't remember how I fixed it. This computer recently had amvo infect it, which was cleared out by Avast.

If anyone knows how to restore the option, I'd appreciate it. The system is running WinXP SP2 and Avast for AV.

I'm going to search the net quick and see what that brings me. Hopefully something useful.

 

[sn3rd]

Sounds like a worm. I've had it before. If you think so too, try the following

IMPORTANT: DO NOT DOUBLE CLICK ON DRIVES TO OPEN THEM! RATHER NAVIGATE USING THE ADDRESS BAR!!

1) Run msconfig
2) Check what's running on startup (you are looking for something out-of-the-ordinary)
3) press ctrl + shift + esc
4) close the program that is causing it
5) Run regedit
6) Navigate to HKLM\software\microsoft\currentversion\explorer\advanced\folder\hidden\nohidden and set the nohidden and showall "checkedvalue" to 0 and 1 respectively
7) Navigate to HKLM\software\microsoft\currentversion\run and HKCU\software\microsoft\currentversion\run and delete the keys that starts the responsible program
8) Search for the responsible file and delete it

I know that these instructions seem really arb and I expect them to be fairly tough to follow: sorry about that. If you need more help, post back and I'll post more detailed instructions.

 

[Asha'man X]

Ah, seems it is a fairly common side effect of some viruses, including Ravmon. I restored my settings using some code gotten off the net on the CNET forums.

Even more reason to run anti malware and a good HIPS.

Looks like I'm going to be installing Spybot and Comodo firewall on the weekend then.

 

[Asha'man X]

@ sn3rd

Thanks for the help, truly appreciated. Found the solution a few seconds before your post I think it was my dad who infected the system, as he has a flash disk, and I don't. Either that or it got in via an attachment in his mail, before I tossed the ever useless Norton a month ago.

I hate how these bugs infect the system. AV cleans up, but then can't sort out the registry mess. I've had a similar situation at work now with worms on flash drives. Sigh

 

[sn3rd]

Yup... this particular one is pretty irritating. Check your Internet Explorer (assuming you haven't done away with it)... the titlebar usually gets changed to something lame: mine said "hax0red by Pokemon".

Oh, and it prevented me opening Firefox