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.

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

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267 Comments

Mohit

heyyyyyyyyyy dude ........it`s great...
how do you get it????????????
Harsh

Thanks
fazal

thanks it works
Sushil Rai

hey VG,

i have a problem, previously my laptop was infected with virus now i have removed and now the problem is that every time i used to open a Drive it opens in a new window, i have checked the setting in folder option.. it's ok there...

will u pls help...

thanks ..

u r doing a great job out there man..

bye n tc
Sushil Rai

sushil rai contd....

firstly when i ckick to open it it shows the window of "open with" then i have to select internet explorer to open the drive..

thanks
VG

^^ Please check the FAQ topic. It contains the solution.
Sushil Rai

Hey VG,
thanks for ur reply regarding my problem but that solution doesn't work.

there is no file named autorun.inf..

is there any other way then pls let me know..

and thanks alot b'cause i have solved almost all my problems after virus infection in just one daythanks to you...

thanks again..

bye and tc
Les

You forgot to mention here, that gpedit.msc is NOT in XP HOME.
eagos

its work... well done!!!
aman

when i startup my computer and it loads to the user selection screen i click my name and receive this message.

"Windows cannot load the user's profile but has logged you on with the default profile for the system.

DETAIL - The configuration registry database is corrupt." i also get a countdown timer that starts at 30 seconds.

can somebody please help me