Files saved to windows folders hidden from explorer

[tortillasoup]

I was trying to modify the Shell32.dll file so that I could restore Windows 7 to the look more like Windows XP when I discovered some really odd behavior. I used a program called resource tuner to edit shell32.dll and I saved the changed file as 1shell32.dll so that I could first rename shell32.dll to shell32.old and 1shell32.dll to shell32.dll. Anyway so even though I had saved the modified as 1shell32.dll, I could not find this file in the file directory either through command prompt or through the windows file explorer. However if I browser for the file through the file manager (File -> Open) included with Resource Tuner, the 1shell32.dll file is indeed in the directory. So I know the file is there but why am I not able to see or modify this file through the windows interface or through command prompt? I ran the command prompt as the admin, I tried various dir attributes but that file seems to elude me. I had this exact problem the other day with another program that had saved a file to the root directory (C:\) where the file didn't show up in explorer but it was showing up as existing in the program's built in file manager.

Does Windows 7 have some odd attributes that hides files saved in certain directories or something?

 

[ninaholic37]

Yes. I'm not exactly sure how it works either, but I've noticed both types of permission/access/locking scenarios you mentioned on saved files (folder-level and program-level). I'm trying to Google more info about it now.


edit: I think this article (second picture) sort of explains one possibility:
http://www.dcr.net/~w-clayton/Vista/UAC/UAC_app_compat_and_virtualization.htm

Something about UAC not saving the files where you think but can be seen there through virtualization?

 

[jkauff]

I admire your technical skills and ambition, and you didn't ask, but wouldn't it be easier just to use something like Window Blinds to change the UI of Win 7?

 

[tortillasoup]

I searched around for stuff like that but the closest thing I could find was removing a few lines from the DLL file. I was eventually able to replace the file but then I realized the DLL editor I was using was only for 32bit files. I really hate the "organize bar" as on my 1366X768 screen, it takes up too much screen real estate.

 

[Bubbaleone]

Verify that Explorer is configured to display protected files. Open the Folder Options dialog and click the View tab. Check "Display the full path in the title bar" and "Show hidden files, folders, and drives". Uncheck "Hide extensions for known file types" and "Hide protected operating system files".

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[tortillasoup]

It is configured for that, first thing I did.