Windows XP

I recently bought a new mecer PC. i've just discovered that the Folder Options in Tools Menu on the menu bar is not there. This means that i cannot view hidden files on my machine.
I also tried going through Control Panel>Accessibility options but still Folder Options is not there. I've even looked/searched for it in control panel but its not there either. Can somebody help me pls for there are some hidden folders i need to access.