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

Aashish

hey...thnx a ton!
mostafa

Thank u dear for ur help
NAVNEET

HI VISHAL,
MY (TOOLS-FOLDER OPTION-VIEW-SHOW HIDDEN FILES AND FOLDERS) IS DO NOT WORKING PLESE HELP ME.
alp arsllan

thx dude...u cann't imagne how much i love u thxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
Ashraful

This site is very important/useful to solve varius types of problem.
thanks
priyam ghosh

thanks the suggestion for the folder option really works....
Bryan

Thanks for the tips. I was able to get the folder options back. It would appear a virus has made several files and folders hiden. I followed one of your links and it said something about running hijack this.

What is hijack this and what does it do? Does it fix the issues it finds?

I am running Trend Micro PC-cillin Internet Security 14 with current updates, but the virus still got through some how.

Thanks for the help, your notes are great and very easy to follow.
VG

^^ You can follow instructions given here:

http://www.askvg.com/is-your-system-infected-with-a-virus-spyware-adware-trojan-part-iii/
Anant

It doesn't work for me coz in the 2nd address theres no explorer section it just list under policies

NonEnum
Ratings
system

HELP PLEASE!
VG

^^ Did you check in both "HKCU" and "HKLM" keys? You can also try ready-made registry script mentioned in Step2.