A user reports that a configuration file they saved to a specific folder on a Windows workstation is no longer visible. They are certain they did not delete it. Which of the following should a technician check FIRST to resolve the issue?
Restore the entire folder from the most recent system backup.
Enable the 'Show hidden files, folders, and drives' option in File Explorer.
Run the System File Checker tool (sfc /scannow).
Verify the user's NTFS permissions for the folder.
In Windows, files with the 'Hidden' attribute are not displayed in File Explorer by default. Many applications create configuration files with this attribute set to prevent accidental user modification. The most efficient first step for a technician investigating a "missing" file is to change the folder view options to show hidden items. More complex actions, such as restoring from a backup or checking file permissions, should be performed only after this simple initial step fails to locate the file.
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How can I view hidden files in Windows File Explorer?
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What is the purpose of the 'Hidden' attribute?
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Are there other file attributes I should know about?