The Definition and Function of a 'System File'

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 A system file is any file with the system attribute enabled. This implies that Windows or another program sees the item as crucial to the overall functioning of the operating system.

Files and folders that have this attribute registered should normally be left alone. Changing, deleting, or moving can lead to instability or complete system failure. For this reason, system files also often have the read-only attribute and the hidden attribute enabled.

Some of the more popular system files you may have heard of on a Windows computer include kernel32.dll, msdos.sys, io.sys, pagefile.sys, ntdll.dll, ntdetect.com, hal.dll, and ntldr .

Where are System Files Stored?

By default, most Windows computers are set so that system files don't show up in normal file searches or folder views. That's a good thing: there's very little good reason to mess with system files in any way.

These files are mainly located in the Windows folder, but can also be found in other places, e.g. B. in the "Programs" folder.

The root folder of the drive where Windows is installed (usually drive C) contains several common system files and folders, such as hiberfil.sys, swapfile.sys, system restore, and system volume information.

System files also exist on non-Windows operating systems, such as PCs running macOS or Linux.

How to Show Hidden System Files in Windows

Two things must be done before you can see system files in Windows: 1) show hidden files and folders; 2) Show protected operating system files. Both options are available in the same place, which makes this process quite easy.

Important: Before we proceed, we reiterate that for the average computer user, there is little good reason to enable viewing of system files. We only include this information because you may be dealing with a problem in Windows that can only be fixed by accessing a specific system file as part of a troubleshooting process. We strongly recommend undoing these steps when you are done working.

There are several ways to view system files in Windows, but the following process works equally well in Windows 11, Windows 10, Windows 8, Windows 7, Windows Vista, and Windows XP, so let's go this route for simplicity:

  1. Open the command prompt.

  2. Run control folder.

  3. On the View tab, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives.

  4. Uncheck Hide protected operating system files, and then confirm the action with Yes.




  5. Choose OK.

Note: It's possible that after following the steps above, system files and folders, and anything else that has the hidden attribute enabled, may be grayed out when viewed in Windows. So you know that these are important files that you shouldn't normally see, and not just normal files like documents, music, etc.

More About System Files

The system file attribute cannot be turned on and off as easily as other file attributes, such as archive files and compressed files. Instead, the attrib command should be used.

The system attribute, like any other file attribute, can be set manually for any file or folder of your choice. But that doesn't mean that data is suddenly taking on a major role in the overall functioning of the operating system.

In other words, if you save an image file to your computer, for example, and then turn on the system attribute for that file, your computer won't crash after deleting that file. It was never a real system file, at least not in the sense that it was an integral part of the operating system.

When deleting system files (which, hopefully, you should never do), Windows asks for confirmation that you really want to delete it. This applies to both actual Windows system files and files for which you have manually enabled the system attribute.

Speaking of which... You generally cannot delete a system file that is in active use by Windows. This type of file is considered a locked file and cannot be modified in any way.

Windows often stores multiple versions of system files. Some are used as backups, while others may be older versions.

It is possible for a computer to get infected with a virus that changes the file attribute from its regular data (non-system files) to others with the hidden or system attribute enabled. In this case, you can safely turn off the system or the hidden attribute to restore visibility and use files normally.

System File Checker (SFC) is a tool included with Windows that can repair corrupted system files. Using this tool to replace a missing or damaged system file will often restore a computer to working order.

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