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Question

Program Files is missing!

Aug 22, 2015 12:28AM PDT

I can still access it via shortcut, and see it using the DIR C:\*.* /A prompt, but when I want to access it in explorer it's just not there. It's not hidden, I have full permissions.

Discussion is locked

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Answer
That /a parameter
Aug 22, 2015 2:25AM PDT

Using the a/ parameter;

"Displays only the names of those directories and files with the attributes that you specify. If you omit /a, dir displays the names of all files except hidden and system files. If you use /a without specifying Attributes, dir displays the names of all files, including hidden and system files".

So, DIR c:\ displays files and folders but does not display hidden and system files and folders.

Using a/ without attributes finds all.

In this case you cannot say for sure that the program is not hidden. However, opening the shortcut's Properties, (right click it, select Properties), should show the file's attributes.

If that shows the file's attributes are hidden then go into Control Panel > Folder Options, then the View tab, and select to show hidden files.

Mark

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Answer
Defaults in Explorer may do that.
Aug 22, 2015 10:39AM PDT

Forget permissions for a moment, did you set Explorer to show all files?

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How?
Aug 22, 2015 1:23PM PDT

I'm not sure how to do it. I did what mark said and it's still not there.

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Sounds like a settings to me
Aug 22, 2015 1:51PM PDT
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Here's how
Aug 22, 2015 2:03PM PDT

Start Windows Explorer.
Click Organize -> Folder and Search Options.
Click the View tab.
Now look at the 6th entry labled "Hidden Files and Folders"
Click the button just below that says "Show hidden files, folders, and drives"
Click "Apply to Folders"
Click OK.
`
Good luck.

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Rr: here's how
Aug 22, 2015 2:36PM PDT

Just a note.

In my Windows 7 (apart from it not being the sixth entry, due to alfabetical sorting in a different language) there's no "apply to folders". It's all (files, folders and drives) or nothing.
But It's the way to show hidden stuff in Windows Explorer indeed.

Kees