Windows XP Hidden Files Boot.ini

Working in an IT environment, I find myself needing to make a lot of visual basic (.vbs) and batch files (.bat). Windows XP, in it’s infinite wisdom, defaults to hide the file name extensions that I need to change. Here’s a simple diagram on how to view these file extensions.

main window

Here you’ll see that I tried to make a batch file (.bat), but it’s still just a text file. Windows naming is then “batchfile.bat.txt”. In order for this file to run as a batch file, it needs to be “batchfile.bat”.

folder options

In any Windows explorer window, click on “Tools” and select “Folder Options…”

Then you’ll see this window:

folder options window

If you uncheck “Hide extensions for known file types” you will be able to see .doc, .bat, .txt, .html, .rtf and the like.

If you select “Show hidden files and folders” you’ll be able to see most of the hidden Windows folders and files throughout the system.

If you uncheck “Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)” you will be able to see the boot.ini file and edit it as well.

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