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

Jimmy Thomas

Dear VG,
The tricks that u've mentioned has really helped everyone i suppose. Just one more thing, can u please guide me as how to find the registry for different fuctions and how to save a registry entry?
Jimmy Thomas

Dear VG,
Thanks for the solutions that u have provided for the different problems. tell me how can one know what function has what ergistry value and how to save a particular registry value?
Ajeet Singh

Can U tell me From Where I Can Change Standard Buttons?
ervien

THANK'S! it's helpful script and now my computer is working normally. Registry editor is working, and there is no more No folder Option on my computer!

but, can you help me more, if I type "gpedit.msc" on RUN box, it's not working properly. there is message about "there is no file gpedit.msc". It's windows says on my desktop. Why it happen?

thank's

ervien
Indonesia
VG

^^ Are you using Windows XP Home Edition?
1p3

Thanks!

Req: tutorial on enabling search in the start menu
VG

^^ You can follow this tutorial:

http://www.askvg.com/how-to-restore-missing-search-option-in-windows-vista-start-menu-after-installing-sp1/
Sharath

Hi there!

Thanks for very much for the solution. my problem is solved.

Iam happy now
Sherif

my folder options are enabled but they are disfunctioning.when ever i select show hidden files and folders it switches by itself again to do not show hidden files and folders? help me please.
VG

^^ Pls check solution of Point 23:

http://www.askvg.com/frequently-asked-problems-with-solutions-part-3/