Tech

Windows by default have certain files it hides from the view of the user. These are the main Windows operating system files. This is done in the protection of both the user and the system since any alterations made to these files may cause damage to the whole system. This may cause the operating system to crush and you would lose all your important files. But there are ways through which you can view protected windows operating system Files.

However, protected windows operating system Files are usually very important during the troubleshooting process. If your operating system has misbehaved, and all other solutions have not yielded anything positive, these files can do you the trick. That’s if you know the right file to play around with.

Windows system files are usually updated automatically during any system update. They shouldn't be deleted, renamed, or moved in any normal circumstance unless the process is necessary.

Where to find system files.

System files don't appear in searches, and can only be found in the system folder. They can be located in so many folders on your computer, for example, the root folder knows as C:/ which holds the most system files on your computer.

Examples of protected windows files

• Page files (pagefile.sys)

• Hibernation files (hiberfil.sys)

• SysWOW64

• AppData

• DLL

• Program Data

How to view protected windows files

In Windows 10, Windows 8.1, Windows 8 follow the steps below in order to view windows operating system protected files. Note, any changes made to these files may permanently, or temporarily damage the normal functionality of your computer.

1. On your computer, select the folder where you want to view the protected files from.

2. Open the selected folder and select the view tab.

3. Click Options for a drop-down to display. From the displayed list, select "Change folder and search options"

4. Select the View tab and proceed to the Advanced settings menu.

5. In this menu, select "Show hidden files, folders, or drives" then uncheck "Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)" and click okay to confirm.

6. You can as well choose to display file extensions under the same menu by unchecking the "Hide file extensions for known file types" option

7. All system files shall be displayed here.

What happens if system files are damaged?

However much there is a consequence that must result when a system file is damaged, the consequence may depend so much on which system file is damaged in this case. It may result to windows crashing completely, BSOD errors, or even just a certain application failing to run as expected.

In case there is a system file damaged, either intentionally or accidentally, and you are not sure of the exact file, you may do a system check using the Windows System File Check (SFC) to troubleshoot to errors and find the actual file missing or damaged.

Once the missing or damaged file is identified, you can employ another windows tool, Deployment Image Servicing and Management (DISM) tool to correct the errors found.

How to use the SFC tool

• Windows System File Check can be launched through Commando in prompt. To do this, follow the steps below.

• Run CMD as administrator.

• In the CMD, run this command sfc /scannow

• The System File Check tool will be launched immediately and you will be good to go.