Help finding Hidden files/folders

[parrothead]

I need some help!

Last night I accidentally did something that caused an important folder to become hidden. I know it didnt just get deleted because it had several GB in it and that is still reflected on my "space left on disk" indicator. I thought I heard somewhere that you can use terminal to find and un-hide hidden files. Is this true, and if it is can someone tell me how to do it?

Thanks

[MacsRgr8]

You can also use "Find" (<COMMAND> - <F> in the Finder), and choose the "visibilty" option, and select visible and invisible items.
Good hunting!

[parrothead]

Thanks MacsRgr8,

I am still using Jaguar, so I can't use that find feature just yet. Maybe this is telling me that it is time to make the jump.

[MacsRgr8]

The terminal can help you too.

By typing "ls -al" it will show you all in the current directory.

So if you are sure the specific directory is in your home-folder, then simply start the terminal app, and type "ls -al" <ENTER>

The list of everthing inside your home-dir will be shown.

[parrothead]

MacsRgr8 thanks again, is the command the same if the folder is on an external hard disk?

[MacsRgr8]

It works the same, but you have to "change directories" (=cd) to get there.
Here's how (everything is followed by <ENTER> ):

Type <cd /> (this brings you to the top-level of your boot -disk)

Then <cd Volumes> (in this directory the "mounted volumes" are listed)

Then <ls> (to show these volumes)

- If your external hard disk volume is called "Ext HD" then do the following:

Type <cd "Ext HD"> (note the quotation marks needed 'cause there is a spatial between the words)

Now <ls -al> show what's inside. (Maybe you need to change directory again, as follows: <cd "name of dir">

[parrothead]

Thanks again!

[MacsRgr8]

Glad to help.
Hope you will find it!

[Westside guy]

Originally posted by parrothead
Last night I accidentally did something that caused an important folder to become hidden. I know it didnt just get deleted because it had several GB in it and that is still reflected on my "space left on disk" indicator. I thought I heard somewhere that you can use terminal to find and un-hide hidden files. Is this true, and if it is can someone tell me how to do it?

Were you changing the name on the folder? If you give it a name that begins with a dot/period ("."), it will become invisible. That's the Unix convention for system and settings files.

[parrothead]

Yeah, I think that is what happened. I remember making a typo when naming the folder.

[parrothead]

MacsRgr8 I was able to find the missing folder using the terminal commands you gave me, thanks very much. Now I just need to find out how to make it unhidden, rename it or just delete it.

Thanks

[vniow]

http://www.bresink.de/osx/TinkerTool.html

[MacsRgr8]

Originally posted by parrothead
MacsRgr8 I was able to find the missing folder using the terminal commands you gave me, thanks very much. Now I just need to find out how to make it unhidden, rename it or just delete it.

Thanks

vniow has provided a link to an excellent util, which lets you view invisible files from within the GUI (Finder).
But remember to switch this option off, if you don't absolutely need. These files/folders are invisible for a reason....

But if you want to continue your exploration of the terminal, then try this:

The command for renaming (= moving) is <mv>

So, in this example my invisible file (or directory) is called ".test"

Then the command would be:
mv .test test <ENTER> (as to remove the "." and make it visible again)

Good luck!

[parrothead]

Everyone's advice has been very helpful, It is good to get to know a little about terminal. Are there any resources are out there to help me learn more about the terminal?

[MacsRgr8]

You can check out this (http://www.macdevcenter.com/pub/ct/51) site.