How to show the ProgramData folder in Windows Explorer on a Windows Vista, Windows 7 or Windows 8 machine

Background

By Default, on Windows Vista, Windows 7 and Windows 8, the MicroStation Workspace is installed to the folder C:\ProgramData\Bentley\MicroStation V8i (SELECTseries)\WorkSpace\....but when browsing to this location using Windows Explorer, the path, C:\ProgramData is not listed or shown

Steps to Accomplish

Option 1

1. In Windows Explorer, note the menu along the top: File, Edit, View. Tools and Help
2. Go to the menu Tools > Folder Options (Image 1)
3. The Folder Options dialog opens, select the View tab (Image 2)
4. In the Advanced Settings list, select the option 'Show hidden files, folders or drives' (Image 2)
5. Click on OK and the ProgramData folder should now be listed (Image 4)

Option 2

1. Sometimes in Windows Explorer, the menu from Option 1, step 1, (File, Edit, View. Tools and Help) is not listed
2. Instead, the Organize button can be used
3. Click on Organize - a drop down menu appears (see Image 3)
4. Select 'Folder and search options'
5. The Folder Options dialog opens
6. Repeat steps 3 to 5 in Option 1 above

Image 1

Image 2

Image 3

Image 4

For Windows 8.1 and Windows 10:

1. Go to File Explorer
2. Go to View Ribbon
3. Under Show/hide check on Hidden Items (Image 5)

Image 5

See Also

MicroStation's Workspace default location

Other language sources

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