The following steps have to be taken so as to restore hidden files and folders.
- Go to Start --> Run, then type Regedit
- Navigate to the registry folder HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Advanced\Folder\Hidden\SHOWALL
- Find a key called ChekedValue
- Double click CheckedValue key and modify it to 1. This is to show all the hidden files