Go to the following registry key: HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\S HOWALL DELETE the value CheckedValue in the right window.

(Its type should be REG_SZ and data should be 2.) Now create a new DWORD value called CheckedValue (same as above, except that the type is REG_DWORD). Modify the value data to 1 (0x00000001). This should let you change the "Hidden Files and Folders" option. Please report your results. Paul