Recently connected to the internet, downloaded a few clips of videos..now, the options in the menus cannot work. Every hidden files are completely hidden, Kaapoosh !!! gone. Can anyone help me get through to my <hidden files & folders> via the control panel? So this only started after you did a download? What did you download? Did you read the TERMS of service? Did you agree to everything they said? Did you pay any money for the service? Did you do a recent backup?
The SECURITY features in Windows XP do are of little value if you use third-party programs to bypass the security features.

What I am trying to say is that the vast majority of XP issues come from some kind of 'malware' that infects the system. Look at the BRIGHT side At least you have noticed something has happened. Some users don't have a clue.

If a virus scan does not show anything, you may need to do a 'Hijack' log.
And this post should be moved to the spy ware forum.
I agree. It's pretty typical for an infection.Issue:

"Folder options" is missing in the Tools bar of My Computer. (All Windows 9X/ME/2000/XP Operating SYSTEMS)

Cause: Some of the spyware which is on the system might have changed/added this value.

Resolution: To resolve this issue, perform these steps:

1. Click Start, Run
2. Type REGISTRY and click OK
3. Click on "+" beside HKEY_CURRENT_USER
4. Click on "+" beside Software
5. Click on "+" beside Microsoft
6. Click on "+" beside Windows
7. Click on "+" beside CurrentVersion
8. Click on "+" beside Policies
9. Click on "+" beside Explorer
10. In the right-pane, change the value of "NoFolderOptions" key to either 0 or delete that key
11. Quit Registry Editor and restart the computer

Regards

Sykes
@sykes

what will that accomplish exactly? The very same VALUES can be changed via the explorer UI. The only reason they can't in this situation is because a spyware app running in the background is ensuring that it always hides hidden files.


After clearing the machine of infections, your method will work... On the other hand so would the explorer UI...