Managing Files, Folders, and Search Methods

Windows 2000 Professional provides new ways to help prevent users from deleting or modifying operating system and hidden files. By default, hidden files and folders and system files do not display in Windows Explorer windows or search results views.

To view system files, clear the Hide protected operating system files (Recommended) check box on the View tab of the Folder Options dialog box (accessed by clicking Folder Options on the Tools menu).

To view hidden files and folders, select the Show hidden files and folders option on the View tab of the Folder Options dialog box (accessed by clicking Folder Options on the Tools menu).

Group Policy Setting That Prevents Access to System Files

Table 9.17 lists a Group Policy setting that prevents access to system files and provides a brief description of it. You can use this Group Policy setting to prevent users from changing the setting that hides system and hidden files and folders.

Before you change a Group Policy setting, you should be familiar with using Group Policy and MMC snap-ins. To make changes to this setting, you must log on as a member of the Administrators group. You can find this Group Policy setting by using the Group Policy MMC snap-in and then following this path:

User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Explorer.

Table 9.17 Group Policy Setting That Prevents Access to System Files