AlmostGeek

How To Find the appdata Folder in Windows

The appdata folder on windows is just what it sounds like. It’s a folder that stores application data for some programs. Most programs store some of their application data in the registry and some of it in appdata folder. Your appdata folder is an important folder to back up in case of a computer crash or if you choose to upgrade or install Windows.

To get to your appdata folder:

Windows XP: You can find the appdata folder by navigating to it in Explorer under XP.  First Show Hidden Files and Folders then go to My Computer > C:\ > Documents and Settings > <User Name*> > Application Data > Roaming

*Replace <User Name> with your actual user name

Windows 7/Vista: It’s as simple as trying %appdata% and pressing enter into your start menu search box.

How To Show Hidden Files in Windows Explorer

In order to get at certain folders and files within Windows you will need to show hidden files and folders.

In Windows XP:

Open My Computer and click on Tools > Folder Options > Click on the View tab > and select Show Hidden Files and Folders

On Windows Vista/ 7:

Same process just a different naming convention.

Computer > Organize > Folder and Search Options > View Tab > Check ‘Show Hidden Files and Folders

How to get a command prompt in Windows

A command prompt is simply a way of manipulating files and running scripts via text command instead of the pointing and clicking of a mouse. Command prompts are the original way of navigating computers. Before Windows there was DOS which was nothing but a command prompt. For some tutorials here on Almost Geek a command prompt will be necessary and they will be linked to this post.

In Windows XP:  Start > Accessories > Command Prompt

In Windows Vista / Windows 7: Start > type ‘cmd’ and press enter. For an elevated (administrative access) command prompt you will need to right click on ‘cmd’ in the start menu search results and click “Run as administrator”