Windows 10: Unable to Remove System Attribute - Not resetting hidden file

I had a directory that had both the hidden and systemattributes. I wanted it to be visible. I kept trying to fix each of these individually using the Attributecommand:


ATTRIB -S C:\X

ATTRIB -H C:\X


And each time, I got back the message it wouldn't be done:


Not resetting hidden file - C:\X


So attempts to unhide or "un-system" it via the administrative level command prompt returned the same error.Controlled folder access was not enabled, so that wasn't an issue. Also,ownership and full control were already set correctly.


In the end, the solution was to change both attributes at the same time to not hidden and not system:


ATTRIB -H -S C:\X


That fixed it.


I post this here since I spent more time searching for asolution than with the problem itself. It was a post at https://blog.coeo.com/how-to-prevent-robocopy-from-hiding-your-files-and-how-to-fix-it-when-it-doesthat pointing me in the right direction.

:)

 

Restore hidden file attributes

Thanks for the response. I did a system restore, it worked on some files (on AppData) but not on all of them.

The cardinal sin was that I did a right click in 'users' folder, properties --> attributes --> hidden (unmark,apply) --> apply to all subfolders. When I did the counter step, it obviously hides all the previously shown files too.

 

Change file attribute to 'unhide'

Hello Walt,

Thank you for posting your concern in Microsoft Community and welcome to the Windows 10 Family.

I suggest you to follow the below steps to change the attribute of any file/folder to unhide.

Step A: Show Hidden files

1. Open Windows Explorer(win logo key+E) or My computer.

2. Now click on View on top of the window.
3. Untick ‘Hidden items’ in the options.

Step B: Change file attribute

1. Once the hidden file is located, right click on the file/folder you want to change the attribute for.

2. Go to ‘properties’, untick the box facing hidden.

3. Now, Click on ‘apply’ and then ‘ok’.

Hope it helps.

Thank You.

 

All hidden files turned Un-hidden

Hi,

Thank you for posting in Microsoft Community and being part of Windows 10.

I suggest you to re-add them to the hidden items list and check.

Steps:

• Right click on the folders to hide, select Properties.
• Go to General tab, under Attributes check mark the option
  Hidden.
• Click on Apply and on Ok.

I suggest you not to use any third party anti-virus software. Try to use Windows Defender.

Refer: Using Windows Defender

Hope it helps. Feel free to contact us for further assistance on Windows Operating System, we will be happy to help you.