This one is perplexing. For some time now I've been unable to see the LOCAL SETTINGS folder where it should be in this path C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Local Settings. I could't see Application Data folder either along this path C:\Documents and Settings\Administrator\Application Data and that presented a problem because I couldn't access the Outlook folders directly either (although I supposed I could export or import outlook contents like address books, mail etc. To be honest...I didn't try so I really can't say). I accidentally stumbled upon the fact that I WAS able to see the APPLICATION DATA fololder using Irfanview File search and it occured to me to type the filepath for the missing folders directly into a windows explorer address bar...and THERE THEY WERE! Once I was in them I dragged shortcuts into my administrator folder so I can access the contents of both now... HOWEVER... I am still NOT able to access those folders or the Data within in windows Search Files and Folders and new applications can't access the filepaths to those folders to install the proper DLLs. It's like they don't exist. Last night I tried to re-install my Hauppauge Wintv application and it cannot see the local settings folder where it needs to copy some data so the scheduler won't do timed recordings and gives a missing dll error. During the re-install attempt it gave error messages regarding "cannot copy files to Administrator/Local Settings. I booted into Linux Mandriva from CD to look at the c: (windows) hard drive from Linux and it did show the hidden folder icons I couldn't view from windows. I got an idea to make a new temporary folders in Linux and then try copying the original windows folders in their entirety to the new folder. Then re-named the original folders OLD rather than delete them in case this didn't work and I needed them again. I then cut the newly copied windows folders out of the New temporary folder and pasted them into the Administrator folder path. After booting into windows I am now able to see the Applications folder under Administrator. The same thing did NOT work for the Local Settings folder so I still have to get into that via the shortcut I made or type the filepath directly into windows explorer. Unfortunately programs that need to install files there can't access it but it does seem that programs that had already been installed (including Outlook and other windows apps) can access it because they already know where it is. After some googling I found references to registry changes to unhide folders and made them. (obviously I already have SHOW HIDDEN FOLDERS checked off as well as SHOW PROTECTED WINDOWS FOLDERS or I wouldn't be posting). In the registry....I changed the CHECKED value in Folders-Hidden-Showall from 3 to 1 and the Default was already set to 2 so I left it. In Superhidden folders I changed the UNCHECKED value from 00002 to 00001. After a reboot the Local Settings folder remains hidden. Only by accessing it through my shortcut or typing the filepath can I get to it. Also...after accessing the Local Settings folder thru my shortcut if I try to go up one level with the LEVEL UP folder Icon in the Address bar...it takes me into the Administrator Folder...because after all...that's where the Local Settings folder is....just hidden!! *Note: I am also NOT able to see the NEW (copy) of the Local settings folder I made in Linux and placed in the original Local Settings filepath. From inside the Administrator folder it now shows (2 hidden folders) instead of 1 so it knows both are there. Simple right? Uh..... any ideas? ;)

Before you did all that, did you open explorer, go to tools, folder options, view and check, show hidden files and folders?

Yes. Mentioned that 5 paragraphs from the bottom. Did you get that far...or fall asleep on the way? LOL!! It is kinda wordy. Sorry bout that but I always try to provide all details needed to help solve a problem. Thanks for your suggestion though.

LOL You made me laugh with that one. I guess I did fall asleep on the way. Have you applied for a job as a hypnotist? The only other thing I can suggest is to look at the local security policy in the control panel.

DAVE440, Did you ever get an answer or figure it out, I never have and its been like that for over a year. I can use the advance settins in search to find "local settings" but it still doesn't show application data. I can use search with advanced settings and look for "application data" and then that shows up also. I then can see everything that I am missing. A lot of work to find folders and files that I should be able to see. It must be a setting in the registry, but which one? Thanks, Dave PS: Belay the above response, I just found the answer after I wrote the above nmessage. After finding "local settings" and/or "application data", I right clicked on either one and went to properties. These folders were marked "hidden". I unchecked the block (do local settings first and you won't have to do application data). I now can see all of the folders that I have been missing for over a year. Dave