Could anyone tell me how to tell if a CD has hidden or password protected files on it? (besides the Windows option show hidden files) I found several CD's belonging to my husband that are labelled as containing "photos", but the CD's appear to be blank when I try to view any contents. When I check properties of the CDs it shows file system: RAW. If he has used a special program to hide files that are password protected, is there any way to bypass that to view the files? This situation is very upsetting for me and any help is greatly appreciated.

RAW is a file type for photos taken from high-end digital cameras; it's the uncompressed image as opposed to normal JPG pictures. I'm not sure what a RAW file system would be, unless it means the disk was meant for RAW photos.

If there were password-protected files, a pop-up window would appear asking for the password. Hidden files will usually show up in Explorer if present, assuming the "show hidden files" box is ticked.

Since I haven't used Windows for several years, I can't think offhand what you can do to check the disk. I would normally tell you to try a Linux LiveCD but you probably don't want to mess with that, unless you know someone with a non-Windows computer.

So, the only other thing I can think of is look for a utility program at www.tucows.com or other software site. These programs can look at the disc and see if there's anything on there.

You might also try a picture viewing program like AC/DC or Irfanview; they can look at nearly any graphic type and let you view it. It's possible that your computer simply can't display the files that are on the CD.