adding "toggle hidden files" to context menu in 64-bit

nogills · 08 Jan 2010

hey guys, i have a laptop with windows 7 32-bit system and got the "toggle hidden files" on my context menu by a simple process and love it, so I wanted to have the same thing on my desktop, which is also windows 7, but it is 64-bit. I have tried a few different methods, including putting the hidden.dll (or whatever its called) in the system32 folder and using the regsvr32 command to "install" it, and nothing. I saw on another forum that that file doesn''t work for 64-bit so I was wondering if anyone here knew how to get this on a 64-bit system. I use hidden files a lot so it would be really awesome if someone could help out. Thanks a bunch.

-Taylor

Nahtimu · 25 Aug 2010

I also use hidden files a lot and would love to know how to enable this option under Win7 x64 Right-Click Context Menu...

billynomates · 26 Aug 2010

Hi,

This works OK on my 64-bit Home Premium System. It adds the option to your context or "right-click" menu.

It consists of a .vbs file and a .reg file. I can't remember where I found it though ('twas last Chrimble!)
so I'm copying the "codes" here.

Open a New Text Document.txt and copy this code into it.

Code:

Hidden = "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Hidden"
SHidden = "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\ShowSuperHidden"
Set Sh = WScript.CreateObject("WScript.Shell")
St = Sh.RegRead(Hidden)
If St = 2 Then
Sh.RegWrite Hidden, 1, "REG_DWORD"
Sh.RegWrite SHidden, 1, "REG_DWORD"
Else
Sh.RegWrite Hidden, 2, "REG_DWORD"
Sh.RegWrite SHidden, 0, "REG_DWORD"
End If
Sh.SendKeys("{F5}")

Save it using "Save As..." as Show_Hidden_Files_Switch.vbs (or just save the New Text Document.txt, when saved just re-name it, including extension). Place it in your C:\Windows Folder.

Then make a .reg file using the same method with this code.

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Show / Hide Hidden Files]
"HasLUAShield"=""

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Show / Hide Hidden Files\command]
@="cmd.exe /c start C:\\Windows\\Show_Hidden_Files_Switch.vbs"

Save it as Whatever_You_Want.reg. Then just (Run) Merge the .reg file into the registry and you're good to go. It will "instantly" be in your context menu. No re-boot required.

If you later change your mind and want it off your context menu, make a reg file with this code.

Code:

Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

[-HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Directory\Background\shell\Show / Hide Hidden Files]

Run it and the context menu entry will be gone.

HTH.