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.

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

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246 Comments

raghvendra

ths dear.its very nice tutorials
laine

Thanks.....
Abhishek

Thank you so much..really ur tricks helped me a lot..i get my Folder option back and registry editor is also working..Thnk u so much again..!
kat

i dont usually write in blogs but i just want to express my deepest thanks to you! i've been trying to fix this problem for the past few hours which seemed like forever. I came across various sites but no one was able to help me. thank you for sharing this information, u r a genius!! =)
Sahil

HEllo VG i removed the file NoFolderOptions from

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

still folder options is not appearing on the screen please help me
VG

^^ Please check the registry keys again. I think the DWORD value was created again. If yes, then post your HijackThis log file in "Virus Scan" topic.
Yousif

I am glad with your effective helps. I appreciate the good job you have done. That's really nice of to share us what knowledge you have Thanks for the free teaching . I will offten be back to your pages
Abdullah Waseem

thanks buddy really very thanks i just got my folder option back just because of u again thanks
Abdullah Waseem

where can i get good anti virus please tell me full url.
Abdullah Waseem

i have lost my search files and folder option so plz tell me how can i get back it.plz tell me on my email id if anybody can it if not so plz tell me on that site.plz tellllllllllllll me.