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:

Download Registry Script

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 has disabled it intentionally in your system, then you can enable it again by using any of following 2 methods:

a. Type gpedit.msc in RUN dialog box and go to:

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.

NOTE: You can enable Group Policy Editor in Windows 7 Home Basic and other editions using following tutorial:

How to Enable “Group Policy Editor” in Windows 7 Home Premium, Home Basic and Starter Editions?

Other similar articles that may interest you:

• List of All Kinds of Restrictions for Windows 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, Server 2003 and 2008
• How to Disable “Switch User” Option in Windows Vista and 7?
• Stopper: How to Prevent / Restrict Users from Cut, Copy, Paste and Delete Operations in Windows?
• How to Fix “Task Manager has been Disabled by Your Administrator”?
• How to Enable / Disable “New -> Shortcut” in Windows XP, Vista and 7 Context Menu?
• [Guide] How to Restore “TrustedInstaller” as Default Owner of a File, Folder or Registry Key in Windows?

This article was posted by VG in following section: Troubleshooting, Windows 7, Windows Vista, Windows XP.

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