How Do I Show Hidden and Protected Files in Windows?

[Related FAQ: Interact Project Transfer]

Customers who purchase PA2 or P13 HMIs to replace older Interact HMIs will need to upgrade their Interact applications to Interact version 7. The first step in this process for users who do not have a backup is to upload the application files from their current Interact HMI. To do this, users need:

• A Compact Flash (CF) card reader, purchasable from many online retailers.

• A Windows PC. Any version of Windows can be used to upload and back up the files, but a Windows XP PC (or virtual machine) will be required to actually perform the upgrade procedure.

A common mistake many users make when uploading files from the CF card is to not upload the hidden and protected files. By default, Windows will not display these files and will not allow a user to select or copy them. You can change this behavior by following the steps below.

Windows XP

1. Open Windows File Explorer. You can do this by double-clicking on any folder on your PC.

2. Select Tools > Folder Options.

3. In the dialog box that appears, select the View tab. Select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders and uncheck the box labeled Hide protected operating system files (Recommended). Click OK.

4. You will be likely prompted by a warning asking if you are sure you want to display hidden operating system files. Click Yes.

5. You can now copy the files from the CF card onto your PC. To do this, simply navigate to the CF card drive in Windows File Explorer, select all files, and drag them over to a directory on your PC. Be sure to store these in a safe backup location.

6. After you are done moving files over from the CF card, you may want to change your settings back to the way they were before to help prevent accidentally deleting important Windows system files.

Windows 7

1. Open Windows File Explorer. You can do this by double-clicking on any folder on your PC.

2. Select Organize > Folder and search options.

3. In the dialog box that appears, select the View tab. Select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders and uncheck the box labeled Hide protected operating system files (Recommended). Click OK.

4. You will be likely prompted by a warning asking if you are sure you want to display hidden operating system files. Click Yes.

5. You can now copy the files from the CF card onto your PC. To do this, simply navigate to the CF card drive in Windows File Explorer, select all files, and drag them over to a directory on your PC. Be sure to store these in a safe backup location.

6. After you are done moving files over from the CF card, you may want to change your settings back to the way they were before to help prevent accidentally deleting important Windows system files.

Windows 10

1. Open Windows File Explorer. You can do this by double-clicking on any folder on your PC.

2. Under the View tab, select Options > Change folder and search options.

3. In the dialog box that appears, select the View tab. Select the radio button labeled Show hidden files and folders and uncheck the box labeled Hide protected operating system files (Recommended). Click OK.

4. You will be likely prompted by a warning asking if you are sure you want to display hidden operating system files. Click Yes.

5. You can now copy the files from the CF card onto your PC. To do this, simply navigate to the CF card drive in Windows File Explorer, select all files, and drag them over to a directory on your PC. Be sure to store these in a safe backup location.

6. After you are done moving files over from the CF card, you may want to change your settings back to the way they were before to help prevent accidentally deleting important Windows system files.

24MAY2017 DC

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