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Can't find "local settings" folder

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manwithcake's Avatar
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15-Nov-2009, 08:43 AM #1
Can't find "local settings" folder
Hi all,
Using XP home edition, I'm trying to tweak my Chrome browser so I went looking for the installation folder. The properties dialogue in the shortcut tells me it's in "C:\Documents and Settings\Owner\Local Settings\Application Data\Google\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe".

The problem is that I cannot find this folder. When I go to my D&S folder and open my "Owner" folder, there is no "Local Settings" folder. I have my system set up to show all folders, including hidden and system folders, so I know that isn't the problem.

I'm flummoxed. Any help would be appreciated.
TheOutcaste's Avatar
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15-Nov-2009, 09:58 AM #2
Welcome to TSG!

Did you also uncheck Hide protected operating system files?

To change View Settings to show hidden/system files:
In Windows Explorer, click on Tools | Folder Options -> View tab
Check the following:
  • Display the contents of system folders (not present in Win2K/Vista)
  • Show hidden files and folders

Uncheck the following:
  • Hide extensions for known file types (WinXP/Vista)
  • Hide file extensions for known file types (Win2K)
  • Hide protected operating system files (Recommended)
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manwithcake's Avatar
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15-Nov-2009, 10:23 AM #3
Thanks for the welcome and reply. My view settings are precisely what you suggest. I located the Chrome folder by doing a search for "local" and indeed, the folder shows up in search results, just not in explorer. I'd prefer to see it show up in explorer.

In addition, after some experimentation, several folders are not showing up in explorer that do in fact show up in search results.

Still flummoxed.
manwithcake's Avatar
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15-Nov-2009, 10:47 AM #4
Here's another curious thing: I have free commander installed, though I only use it on certain occasions. It does show the "local settings" folder, as well as the others not appearing in explorer.

This is a work-around that will suffice, though I'd prefer to learn the problem with explorer.
TheOutcaste's Avatar
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16-Nov-2009, 02:36 PM #5
That is odd. Might want to take a look at the desktop.ini file in the root of the Local Settings folder.
Here's a trick to getting to that folder directly.
Click Start | Run, type "%Userprofile%\Local Settings", press Enter

The desktop.ini file should contain only these two lines:
Code:
[.ShellClassInfo]
LocalizedResourceName=@shell32.dll,-21774
If it has a line that starts with UICLSID=, that might keep it hidden in Windows Explorer.

I'm thinking there is something else that can do this, but can't recall at the moment, will have to do some digging see if I can remember/find it.
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manwithcake's Avatar
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16-Nov-2009, 05:07 PM #6
Thanks again for the reply. My desktop.ini file contains exactly the same as you indicate and nothing more. It is puzzling, isn't it?
throoper's Avatar
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16-Nov-2009, 08:42 PM #7
Have you tried un-hiding the folder?
Open it and right click>Properties>remove check from Hidden>OK.

Also, if you frequently need access, create a shortcut into the folder.
Right click>Send to>Desktop.

You might also check if something here would apply to the problem.
http://www.technize.com/2007/05/13/s...s-not-working/
manwithcake's Avatar
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16-Nov-2009, 09:07 PM #8
Quote:
Originally Posted by throoper View Post
Have you tried un-hiding the folder?
Open it and right click>Properties>remove check from Hidden>OK.
Amazingly, at least to me, this did the trick! Now, why would there be hidden folders still lurking when I've chosen to show all hidden folders within Explorer's view properties?

At any rate, thanks for the tip.
throoper's Avatar
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16-Nov-2009, 11:38 PM #9
You're welcome.
Unticking that changed the attribute of the folder. If you choose to not show hidden folders, that one is now a normal folder and should remain visible. It won't affect it's function, just it's accessibility.
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