Gaming hidden files keep showing up

[basher11]

i always have my folder options to have hidden files NOT be shown.

but lately, my computer has been showing them, without me touching the "show hidden files" option.

is this a virus?

i scanned my computer with :

symantec antivirus
super antispyware
malewarebytes ant-maleware
and microsoft essentials (thingy)

all show up clean? :{

 

[machomuu]

Which OS are you using?

 

[basher11]

windows XP

 

[Rydian]

Is it set to hide system/OS files as well?

 

[twiztidsinz]

Can you take a screenshot and show the hidden files?

 

[Rafinesque]

It probably was malware. Have you tried downloading and running Malware Bytes? Make sure you have good antivirus and run Malware Bytes.

Also check out this thread, which has some discussion on the problem you might be having.

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6142_102-232457-0.html

 

[twiztidsinz]

It probably was malware. Have you tried downloading and running Malware Bytes? Make sure you have good antivirus and run Malware Bytes.

Also check out this thread, which has some discussion on the problem you might be having.

http://forums.cnet.com/7723-6142_102-232457-0.html

Malware wouldn't show hidden/system files, it would hide them.
Also that link is unrelated, it's about the setting NOT showing files when selected (basher11's files are showing without the box being ticked) as the change was being made by a non-administrator account.


I just remembered an old 'trick' you might want to try, basher.
Make sure you're on an administrator account when doing this, by default Window XP sets you as an admin.
1). Tools -> Folder Options -> View -> check "Show hidden files, folders and drives" and uncheck "Hide protected operating system files".
2). Restart your computer.
1). Tools -> Folder Options -> View -> uncheck "Show hidden files, folders and drives" and check "Hide protected operating system files".
2). Restart your computer.

I've noticed that sometimes Windows XP displays the wrong option, like things showing disabled but they are enabled, often times after something makes a change to your system -- this could be from a program being installed or uninstalled or from settings in an application especially one that hooks into explorer in some fashion.
Usually it's nothing to worry about and more of a fluke than anything, though sometimes it can be related to an application that isn't coded properly and the issue could return every time that application runs or makes changes.