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Help finding Hidden files/folders

parrothead

parrothead

macrumors 6502a
Original poster
Sep 24, 2003
644
0
Edmonds, WA
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
 
You can also use "Find" (<COMMAND> - <F> in the Finder), and choose the "visibilty" option, and select visible and invisible items.
Good hunting!
 

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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.
 
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.
 
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">
 
Re: Help finding Hidden files/folders

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?
Click to expand...

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.
 
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
 
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
Click to expand...

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!
 
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?
 
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