How to Enable Tools -> Folder Options and Registry Editor in Windows

Many times Windows users face a common problem. The "Folder Options" in "Tools" menu is not visible. Even It can't be accessed from Control Panel. Also "Registry Editor" is disabled.

If you are also facing this problem, then you have come to right place. Follow the simple steps mentioned in this tutorial and your problem will be solved:

1. If Folder Options is disabled but Registry Editor is still working in your system, then you can enable Folder Options by editing Windows Registry. Type regedit in RUN dialog box and press Enter. it'll open Registry Editor, now go to following keys:

HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\Current Version\Policies\Explorer

In right-side pane, check whether a DWORD value named NoFolderOptions exists or not? If it exists, delete it.

2. If you are not familiar with editing the registry, then you can simply download following file, extract it and then run the .REG file:

folder_options.zip

3. But sometimes Registry Editor is also disabled. Whenever you try to open regedit, Windows will show following error message:

Registry Editor has been disabled by administrator.

Its a symptom of “RONTOKBRO” Trojan. To remove this trojan, follow the instructions given in following topic:

Is Your System Infected with a Virus / Spyware / Adware / Trojan?

4. If its not a trojan problem and someone intentionally has disabled it in your system, then you can enable it again by following any of these methods:

a. Type gpedit.msc in RUN dialog box and goto:

User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> System

in right-side pane, set "Prevent access to Registry editing tools" to either Not Configured or Disabled.

b. Just type following in RUN dialog box and press <ENTER>:

REG add HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\System /v DisableRegistryTools /t REG_DWORD /d 0 /f

Now after enabling Registry Editor, you can re-enable Folder Options by following methods mentioned in 1st or 2nd steps.

Complete list of AskVG articles

This article was posted in Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.

Share |

267 Comments

Gio

VISHAL!!!! you're a hero! you saved me hundreds of bucks if i were to bring the problem to a computer specialist (odds are, they're going to visit this site too! haha). thank you! thank you!
sameer

Veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery Thank U
You have done my help i dont know You but You r great
sameer
sanjay surati

thanks
HARPREET

When i select any file & click on file menu or other menu,menus take too much time for load,why?
odri

THANK YOU SO MUCH!
nasim

Thank's yaar ur really briliant
benedict

thank you sir, it really helped me well... more power to you... god bless...
chandra

hey thanks you are doing gud job.
jhon

hello, i'm using xp home the folder option was deleted and i've recovered it following your instructions but the show hidden files and folders in the view doesn't not work, the hidden files and folders does not show, please help thanks
VG

^^ Please check Point 23 in following topic:

http://www.askvg.com/frequently-asked-problems-with-solutions-part-1/