Today I will tell you how to hide your private folders in Windows using a unique new technique. There are many software that can do this job but unless you buy their licensed version, you can't make use of their full functionality.
The tip I am sharing is completely new and different and will make sure the folder does not even show up in Windows search.
Before you start make sure you know a little about DOS or Command Prompt.
- Go to C drive and make a new folder. For example, like I made a folder named etc85.
Click on image to enlarge - Now make sure to put all your private files and content inside this folder and then open Command Prompt.
- Navigate to C drive using the cd.. command.
- Type in the command attrib +s +h +r etc85 and hit enter.
Thats it! your folder is now completely hidden from all users in all possible ways.
To unhide simply navigate to the same location in Command Prompt and type in attrib -s -h -r etc85. With this technique, no one can find your folder. Whether any one searches, does system restore or anything. Your folder is in complete privacy.
If you like this technique or have any difficulty executing it, just leave a comment.
Note: Make sure your own folder name in the command while executing it. Enjoy!
Sizlopedia is a technology blog created by Saad Hamid, a problogger from Pakistan.
You can still use the attrib command to search, albeit slowly, for hidden folders/files.
This trick also applies on files. Just make sure you hide your file in an unknown folder and that too on the drive on which Windows is installed. Let me explain. Lets assume you have windows installed in drive C so I can type attrib D:*.* -h -s -r /s and attributes(system, hidden, read only) of all files on Drive D will be removed.
This way your hidden file will be revealed. You wouldn’t want to execute that command on Drive C. Now would you?
Hey thanks for sharing that info Ash!
Just for information, the file/folder can be seen with certain application like acdsee 8.0 or higher, filezilla…
If you issue the command “dir /s” you can still see the all the files and folders that under the hidden parent directory. Is there a workaround for this? Thanks
@Ashfame It do reveal the hidden system files. But not the folder, which contains all your private data.
Enjoy
The file/folder will be visible if you select “show system files” in Explorer’s folder view options no matter what the attributes are. This is useful for hiding stuff from someone with only basic computer knowledge but don’t think your IT department can’t find it. They can.
Its basically not a trick imho.. atleast not different than setting the hidden option in the properties box… the only thing is that adding a system property will not reveal the folder on simply “show hiden files” option, unless the “show system files” option is alos checked.
C0d3r Thanks for the comment. But, still the hidden folder is not revealed which is created by the user. Only system folders are revealed. So, your folder is still in privacy.
I’m sorry, It’s just useless if I can still see it in Windows Explorer.
Is there a way to make this like naming a folder with .something on mac? This isn’t immediately apparent to the normal user, but anyone with sufficient system knowledge could find it.
Nice one
I really like this
Thanks for sharing
will this work on linux?
I’m having trouble executing this…it says that the file can’t be found…