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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266 Comments

Pravin Firake

Hi Sir,

Thanks for such a web side.........

My Laptop also suffer from one problem. In my laptop Hide Folder not shown.
but after using your instruction now that problem is solved.
All hide folder is shown again..........

Thanks

My friend also suffer from this problem. But this problem till not solved, after following this procedure.

Actually while changing value of “Hidden” to 1 & after refreshing that value shown again 2...........also one point I notice that in this laptop Modifing Binary value shown as 0000 02 00 00 00. I also change this value to 0000 01 00 00 00. But it not modified. It shows old value.

sir Please help me on this topic.

Please............

Im waiting ur Reply.

Thanx In adv.
MJ

Hey! how r u?

just wanna ask, i still have my folder opions but everytym i enable the "show hidden files", i still can't see the hidden files. i usually use this before for deleting viruses. can u help?

thanks!
VG

^^ Please read Frequently Asked Problems topics in "Troubleshooting" section. I have mentioned its solution there.
deddy

“this operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. please contact your system administrator" always apear when i run any program…

if it a virus so what should i do..

i use avg but it still the same..

thanks...
deddy
VG

^^ Please follow instructions given in following link:

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

Hello VG,

Can u plz help me with my thumb drive? i dunno if its my pc or drive, whenever i connect one of my flashes (My Flash) it says "this operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer, please contact your system administrator." Where my another flash memory doesn’t show ny prob (Kingston).

Note: I’ve tried my friends flash (Kingston) as well but the same prob appears.
jovax

Thanks Buddy !!!!!! you're d'man
safi

VG ji!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Please help me outttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttttt

and to tell you that I am an administrator of my pc.

best,

(Y)
kunnu singh

wow nice site
my "system" in control panel is disable how to enable