Reset the "Hidden" and "Read-Only" properties in Windows XPpro?

In every folder, under Properties - attributes: there is a box to check hidden and read-only. I managed to screw up these settings for my program files and all their subfolders (hopefully it was only program files and down and not all C: ). While attempting to change one of settings for firefox I accidentally applied it to all folders and subfolders or something like that.....oops. I am wondering/hoping there is a way to change this back to default so I don't have to do a system restore and back up all my data and all that jazz (already tried to modify to a previous date but that didn't change the attributes settings). Can anyone help or am I going to have to start over?

 

You can try to look at "folder options" in explorer, and see if you reverse to what you needed

cheers ...

 

wish it was that simple... Im going to start backing up my iTunes and other important things in preparation of a system restore.

 

In the folder option, untick Hide Protected System File and chose Show hidden file and folder (this under the tab of view)
Or, manually using Command prompt and use this command attrib
attrib "File Name" -s -h -r /s
or folder
attrib "Folder Name" -s -h -r /d

 

tried that ^^ ? look simple to me

Good lucks.

cheers ...

 

I found this site, I am not sure if its the same problem you have, so you/someone should make sure it will work before try out the solution.

http://windowsitpro.com/article/art...from-a-windows-xp-or-windows-2000-folder.html

1. Start a registry editor (e.g., regedit.exe).
2. Navigate to the HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows \CurrentVersion\Explorer subkey.
3. Select New, DWORD Value from the Edit menu.
4. Enter a name of

UseSystemForSystemFolders

5. Double-click the new value, set it to 1, and click OK.
6. Close the registry editor.
7. Reboot the machine for the changes to take effect.

 

Thanks for the help, but I just did reinstalled XP, it was time for a new install to clean things up anyway.