I can't seem to view the files and folders that are in:
C:\Documents and Settings\CHRIS\local settings\application data\microsoft\windows live contacts\my email

I have 'Show hidden files and folders' is selected and 'Hide protected operating system files' is unticked.

Click for screenshot.

Any idea?

Thanks,
Chris

What do you mean by you can't view them? Do you get an error when you (double) click on them? Or don't you see anything at all in the right pane of Windows Explorer?

If you can't see anything, then there is probably nothing.

If something is there, The windows_live_id directory consists of two other, hidden, directories: 'real' and 'shadow'.

To access them you need to navigate to the windows_live_id directory and when you do have all those 'show hidden files' options enabled[°] you should see them in the right pane view, where you can double click on them.

[°]To see everything there is:
Windows Explorer > Tools > Folder Options > View tab:
    Enable: Display the contents of System Folders
    Enable: Hidden files and folders > Show hidden files and folders
    Disable: Hide extensions for known file types
    Disable: Hide protected operating system files

Yes, I can't see anything in the folder.

I have all the above options set.

I can see there is files and folders inside it though because..