Everyone's got some files they don't want other people to see. Whether it's your "happy folder," your financial files, or your personal computerized diary, there's always going to be something to hide.
Please be aware that these tips here are for those who live with people not very computer-savvy. These tips are really easy to undo. I'm saving the more complicated bits for a later post, because they are, well, kind of complicated and will take a lot more time to explain than I have at the moment.
First off, the easiest thing to do is make a folder for your files somewhere that's not obvious. When looking for personal files, most people look directly in My Documents, since that's where most files go. DO NOT DO THIS. This is like putting a big sign on your file that says, "HEY! LOOK AT ME! I'M A FUN FILE!" Put it somewhere random, where they'd never think to look. For example, when it's the holidays and I don't want my coworkers/relatives/friends to find out what I'm getting them for Christmas/Eid/Hanukkah/Solstice/New Year, I put the files in a folder, and then send that folder to the recycle bin. Only problem with this is that you need to make sure you don't accidentally empty the recycle bin... so if you think that you might do this, hide it in Program Files. No one goes there except us tech support workers, because usually it's nothing but system files. And those aren't fun.
OK, so now you've put your folder somewhere in the deep, dark, murky recesses of your system. Now it's time to hide them. Right-click on the folder, and from the menu, select "Properties." Right there on the first tab is a checkbox that says "Hidden." Click it.
There. Now you have a rudimentary hidden file.
Now, if you want to unhide the file, you go to Windows Explorer, "Organize", "Folder and search options", "Show Hidden folders." And now your file is back to being visible.
Please be aware that this will only stop people who are not very adept with the computer. But in a lot of cases, it's enough.
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