Windows 7 Library Folders Not Being Displayed | How To Fix

This is the official solution from McAfee on how to fix when Windows 7 Library Folders Are Not Being Displayed. Windows 7 contains a new feature concept called the Library, which allows you to group similar types of documents and media from several physical folders into one virtual Library.

When a new user is created, during or after the computer setup, the user’s unique Library is created with four default Libraries:

• Documents
• Movies
• Music
• Pictures

When you open Windows Explorer, or save a file, that file's attributes could be changed to hidden.

Problem

Functions in the 2011 McAfee VirusScan could cause these four default Libraries to be hidden, making it difficult to find files collected into these Libraries. The Libraries do exist, but they have a ‘hidden’ attribute which prevents them from being displayed in Windows Explorer.

Solution

McAfee will release an update to VirusScan which will change the way these file attributes are set and eliminate this issue.

Workaround

Until the planned update is released, use the following procedure to work around this issue.

IMPORTANT: This article contains information about modifying the registry. Before you modify the registry, ensure that you create a backup and that you understand how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For information about how to back up, restore, and edit the registry, see the following Microsoft Knowledge Base article: http://support.microsoft.com/kb/256986/EN-US/.

1. Disable Access Protection:

1. Double-click on the M Icon.
2. Click Navigation in the top, right corner.
3. Select General Settings and Alerts.
4. Open the Access Protection drawer.
5. Deselect the Use Access Protection option.
6. Click Apply.

2. Edit the registry to prevent future files from being hidden:

1. Click the Windows Orb.
2. In the Search box type regedit.exe.
3. In the results, right-click Regedit.exe and select Open as Administrator.
4. Browse to the following key:
   [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\McAfee\SystemCore\VSCore\On Access Scanner\McShield\Configuration\Default]
   
5. Double-click ExcludedItem_16.
6. Change the value 3|3|*.TMP to:
   3|3|*.LOG
7. Close the registry editor and save any open work.
8. Restart your computer.

1. Change file settings to display any currently hidden files:
   1. Click the Windows Orb.
   2. Open Computer.
   3. Type (or copy and paste) the following information into the Search box:
      C:\Users\%user name%\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Libraries.
   4. Select the four libraries on the left side (Documents, Music, Video, Pictures).
   5. Right-click and select Properties.
   6. In the General tab, deselect Hidden.
   7. Click OK.
   8. Log-off and re-login or restart your computer to see the change.
2. Re-enable Access Protection:
   1. Double-click on the M Icon.
   2. Click Navigation in the top, right corner.
   3. Select General Settings and Alerts.
   4. Open the Access Protection drawer.
   5. Select the Use Access Protection option.
   6. Click Apply.