Tips to get Missing Folder Options Item From Tools or View Menu

Sometimes you find that your system menu item called Folder Options under the Tools menu is missing in  My Computer or in  Windows Explorer and you want to get it back but you dont know how to . Here  are some tips you can try to get it back.

Edit the registry to get the folder options back.

Go to Start, Run then type in regedit and click Ok.

Browse to the following key: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer

Find the NoFolderOptions key and change the vaule to 0 assuming you have this registry key.

Restart your computer.

Check your computer's policy to make sure its not disabled.

Click on Start, Run and type in gpedit.msc and navigate to the following location:

User Configuration\Administrative Templates\Windows Components\Windows Explorer.

On the right side, set Remove the Folder Options menu item from the Tools menu to Not Configured by double clicking it and setting the appropriate option.

Import a registry tweak\edit.

Download and import this registry tweak that will change settings in your registry.

Download the file.

Double click it and then click Run and then Yes when it asks if you want to import the file into the registry.

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How to fix Windows activation problem

Step 1: Start the computer in safe mode
1. Start the computer.
2. After the computer runs the Power On Self Test (POST), press F8 repeatedly to open the Windows Advanced Options menu.
3. On the Windows Advanced Options menu, use the arrow keys to select Safe Mode, and then press ENTER.
4. Use the arrow keys to select the Windows operating system that you want to start, and then press ENTER.
5. When the computer is running in safe mode, log on by using an account that has administrator rights and permissions. Then, click Yes in the message that states that Windows is running in safe mode.

Step 2: Start Registry Editor
Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
Step 3: Remove the RESETS registry subkey
1. In Registry Editor, expand My Computer, and then expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
2. Expand SOFTWARE, and then expand Microsoft.
3. Expand Windows NT, and then expand CurrentVersion.
4. Expand Winlogon, and then expand Notify.
5. Under Notify, right-click RESETS, and then click Delete.
6. Click Yes to confirm the removal of the RESETS subkey.
Note Do not exit Registry Editor. You must use Registry Editor in "Step 4: Modify the registry to deactivate Windows."
Step 4: Modify the registry to deactivate Windows
1. In Registry Editor, expand My Computer, and then expand HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
2. Expand SOFTWARE, and then expand Microsoft.
3. Expand Windows NT, and then expand CurrentVersion.
4. Under CurrentVersion, click WPAEvents.
5. In the right pane (topic area) of Registry Editor, right-click OOBETimer, and then click Modify.
6. Click to put the pointer in the Value data box. Then, modify any character that appears in the Value data box.
7. Click OK.
Note This step deactivates Windows.
8. Exit Registry Editor.
Step 5: Rename the corrupted Windows activation file
1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
2. At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
ren %windir%\system32\WPA.dbl wpa.old
This command renames the WPA.dbl file to WPA.old.
Step 6: Determine the CD or DVD drive letter
1. Insert the Windows CD.
2. Click Start, and then click My Computer.
3. Note the CD drive letter or the DVD drive letter that appears under Drives with Removable Storage. You have to use this drive letter in the next step.
Step 7: Replace the corrupted Windows activation file
1. Click Start, click Run, type cmd, and then click OK.
2. At the command prompt, type the following command, and then press ENTER:
expand F:\i386\wpa.db_ %windir%\system32\wpa.dbl
In this command, replace F: with the letter of the drive that contains the Windows CD.
expand d:\i386\wpa.db_ %windir%\system32\wpa.dbl
This command extracts a copy of the Wpa.dbl file from the Windows CD. Then, it puts this file in the System32 folder of the Windows installation.
3. Examine the output that appears at the command prompt. If the command runs successfully, information that resembles the following appears:
Microsoft (R) File Expansion Utility Version 5.1.2600.0 Copyright (C) Microsoft Corp 1990-1999. All rights reserved. Expanding d:\i386\wpa.db_ to c:\windows\system32\wpa.dbl. d:\i386\wpa.db_: 2222 bytes expanded to 2126 bytes, -5% increase.
4. Type exit, and then press ENTER to exit the command prompt.
Step 8: Remove the files that are associated with the script
1. Click Start, and then click Search.
2. Under What do you want to search for, click All files and folders.
3. In the All or part of the file name box, type the following, and then click Search:
reset5.exe; reset5.dll; reset5.dat; reset5.dt*; srvany.exe
This action performs a search for all the following files:
* Reset5.exe
* Reset5.dll
* Reset5.dat
* Reset5.dt*
* Srvany.exe
Note If you use a different search tool such as Windows Desktop Search, use this tool to search for each of these individual files.
4. In the results pane of the Search Results dialog box, right-click each file, and then click Delete.
5. Click Yes to confirm the removal of the file.
6. When you have finished removing these files, exit the Search Results dialog box.
7. Restart the computer and let Windows restart in normal mode.
Step 9: Reactivate Windows
1. Click Start, point to All Programs, point to Accessories, point to System Tools, and then click Activate Windows.
2. If the Windows Product Activation Wizard prompts you to activate Windows, follow the instructions in the wizard to activate Windows.
3. Restart the computer, and then repeat step 1 of "Step 9: Reactivate Windows" to start the Windows Product Activation Wizard again. You take this step to verify that the wizard does not prompt you to activate Windows again.
4. If the Windows Product Activation Wizard displays a "Windows is already activated" message, click OK to exit the wizard.
or

Use Activation Tools

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Ten Useful Registry Edits

            Windows has many possible configuration settings and most of these can be changed by editing the Registry. This article describes ten popular Registry edits. They use the Registry Editor, regedit.exe. These edits have all been tested and should cause no trouble but the user assumes all responsibility for any results. Remember to always back up before editing the Registry. Apply only one edit at a time. First see if the results of a given edit are satisfactory before applying another edit. Generally, a system reboot is necessary before system-wide changes take place. Changes for a particular user require a logoff.

Configure timing of System Restore

Normally, Windows XP System Restore creates a restore point every 24 hours and saves the restore points for 90 days. These default settings can be changed with a Registry tweak. Open regedit.exe and go to the key:HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestoreThe value named "RPGlobalInterval" determines how often System Restore runs. Note that the data value is in seconds and is normally 86400 (in decimal). The value named "RPLifeInterval" determines how long restore points are retained. The data value is normally 7776000 (seconds). Modify the settings to your choice. (Windows XP only)

Close down hung applications more quickly

Sometimes an application will hang or freeze up. Although the Windows Task Manager can be used to close a hung application, the default setting is to wait at least 20 seconds, which can be irritating. The time delay can be configured by going to the Registry keyHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\DesktopFind the string value HungAppTimeout and modify the data to something like 3000 instead of the default 20000. (These values are time in milliseconds.) Applies to a specific user. (Windows XP)

Shut down applications and services more quickly

Related to the previous tip are modifications that can be made to two other Registry settings to speed up the closing of applications and services. Go to the same Registry key as previouslyHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\DesktopFind the string value WaitToKillAppTimeout and modify the setting from 20000 to something like 5000. This setting is per user. A second setting in a different Registry key involves Windows services and is for the whole system. Go to the Registry keyHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\ControlFind the string value WaitToKillServiceTimeout and change it to something like 5000. (Windows XP)

Launch programs automatically at startup

Do you have one or more programs that you want to run every time you turn on your computer? There are several ways to do this but one way is with a Registry entry. Open regedit.exe and go to the keyHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\RunCreate a new string value (that will be type REG_SZ) named after the desired program with a value containing the full path to your program. For example, to have Notepad always run at startup the data value would be "C:\WINDOWS\notepad.exe". Applies to a specific user. (Windows XP, Vista)

Specify the default download directory for Internet Explorer

Do you want Internet Explorer to always download to a folder of your choice? You can specify the download location by going to the Registry keyHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet ExplorerFind the string value named Download Directory and change the value to the full path of the folder where you want to keep downloads. If the value does not already exist. create a new string value and name it Download Directory. Applies to a specific user. (Windows XP, Vista)

Alphabetize Internet Explorer Favorites

An annoying aspect of Internet Explorer favorites is that new additions are tacked on leading to an unsorted list. A Registry edit will keep the list of favorites alphabetized. Using regedit.exe, navigate to the Registry keyHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder\FavoritesRight-click the key and choose "Delete". Applies to a specific user. (Windows XP, Vista)

Disable Desktop Cleanup Wizard

Microsoft likes a clean desktop and every 60 days a so-called wizard will pop up offering to clean unused icons off the desktop. Many people find this annoying and the wizard can be disabled by going to the Registry keyHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\CleanupWizModify or create a DWORD value named "NoRun" (without quotes). Assign a value of "1" (no quotes) to disable the cleanup wizard. A value of 0 (zero) will enable the wizard. Applies to a specific user. (Windows XP)

Disable Tool Tips

Tool Tips (also called InfoTips) are the little popup windows that appear when the mouse cursor hovers over certain icons or objects. Some people find them annoying and they can be turned off by going to the Registry keyHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\AdvancedModify the value named "ShowInfoTip". Set the value to 0 to disable. A value of 1 will enable. Applies to a specific user. (Windows XP, Vista)

Speed up Internet Explorer

Internet Explorer can resolve sites faster if you increase the number of connections to a given site. Go to the Registry keyHKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet SettingsYou will need to create two new DWORD values. Name one "MaxConnectionsPer1_0Server" and name the other "MaxConnectionsPerServer". Give each a decimal value of 10. Applies to a specific user. (Windows XP, Vista)

Disable User Account Control (UAC) in Vista

A lot of Windows Vista users find the security measure called UAC to be very annoying and like to disable it. Personally, I think it is worth putting up with the constant security alerts but here is the procedure to disable UAC. Go to the Registry keyHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\SystemFind the DWORD named EnableLUA and set the value to 0. This is a system-wide change and requires a reboot. (Vista only)

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How to Disable and Re-enable USB Storage Devices

As per the Microsoft knowledge base article 823732 which contains instructions on how to disable USB storage access for a certain group of users this diabling and re-enablement of USB ports is based on a simple registry entry.

To disable the access to USB port, in windows XP and 2000, follow the steps below
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate, and then click the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor
4. In the right pane, double-click Start.
5. In the Value data box, type 4, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.

To re-enable a disabled port, follow these steps below
1. Click Start, and then click Run.
2. In the Open box, type regedit, and then click OK.
3. Locate, and then click the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\UsbStor
4. In the right pane, double-click Start.
5. In the Value data box, type 3, click Hexadecimal (if it is not already selected), and then click OK.
6. Quit Registry Editor.

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10 TOP Registry edits and tweaks for Windows XP

1: Change categories in the Control Panel

Windows XP’s Control Panel is broken down by category in the default Category view, but the group to which an item belongs is not always obvious. If you disagree with Microsoft’s assignments, you can switch them around. To assign a different category to an item, go to:
# HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Panel\Extended Properties\{305CA226-D286-468e-B848-2B2E8E697B74} 2
Find the item you want to change and double-click it to bring up a dialog box. Change the item’s DWORD value to your preference. Use Table A as a guide (shown with decimal numbers, which is the way you should enter them).

Table A

Category	DWORD value to set
Other Control Panel Options	0
Appearance and Themes	1
Printers and Other Hardware	2
Network and Internet Connections	3
Sounds, Speed, and Audio Devices	4
Performance and Maintenance	5
Date, Time, Language, and Regional Options	6
Accessibility Options	7
Add or Remove Programs	8
User Accounts	9

2: Create a hidden user account

The user accounts you’ve set up appear on the Welcome screen (another new feature in Windows XP) when you start up the PC. To hide one of the user accounts so that it doesn’t appear here, go to:
# HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Winlogon\SpecialAccounts\UserList
Right-click anywhere within the Registry Window and click New to create a new DWORD value with the name of the account to be hidden. Set the value to 0 (decimal). This account won’t be accessible when switching users with Fast User Switching; you’ll only be able to access it from the Log On To Windows dialog box. Keep in mind that it is not a totally hidden account; the account’s profile will appear in the Documents And Settings folder. Also, the account appears in Local Users And Groups when an administrator is logged on.

3: Prevent programs from loading at startup

Remember back in the good old days of Windows 3.1 when you could open up the Win.ini file in a text editor and remove an item from the RUN= line to disable it from running at startup? With Windows 9x and above, the Win.ini file became less useful because 32-bit programs were set to run at startup from within the Registry instead.
One way to selectively disable programs from loading at startup is to use MSCONFIG (from the Run command) to deselect certain items. Another way to remove them is to edit the Registry directly. Consider the following locations:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Runfor applications that start up for all users
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Runfor applications that start up when the current user logs on
Remove the entry for a program by right-clicking it and selecting Delete to prevent it from loading.

4: Sort menus alphabetically

When you install a new program for a user, it doesn’t find its place in the alphabetical Start menu hierarchy right away; it hangs out at the bottom for a little while. If your users employ the Classic Start menu, they can realphabetize it manually by right-clicking the taskbar and choosing Properties, clicking the Customize button next to the Classic Start Menu, and clicking the Sort button. With the Windows XP style of Start menu, however, you don’t have an equivalent button. To make Windows always alphabetize the list, remove the permissions from the Registry key that controls the sort order for the Start menu. To do so, go to:
# HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MenuOrder
Choose Edit | Permissions and click the Advanced button. Deselect the Inherit From Parent The Permission Entries That Apply To Child Objects check box and then click Copy when the Security dialog box pops up. Click OK and clear the Full Control entry for your account and all security groups you are a member of. Leave only Read permission.

5: Change the desktop cleanup frequency

Through Display Properties (Desktop tab, Customize Desktop button, General tab), you can turn on and off a feature that runs the Desktop Cleanup Wizard every 60 days. You don’t have an option to set a different interval there, but you can change the interval in the Registry. To do so, go to:
# HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Desktop\CleanupWiz
Change the Days Between Clean Up Value to some other number of days (in decimal format).

6: Use desktop patterns

Windows XP provides no direct support for the Patterns feature that was present in earlier versions of Windows, but the feature is still there. It’s just hidden in the Registry. To enable a pattern, first set None as the background in Display Properties. Then you need to find out the code for that pattern. To look up a code, go to:
# HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Patterns
A variety of patterns is listed, and each one has a Data value. Copy the value you want to the Clipboard. Then go to:
# HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Control Panel\Desktop
Add a string value called Pattern. Then paste the string from the clipboard in as its value. The new pattern will appear the next time you log on.

7: Delete the Files Stored On This Computer category in the My Computer window

In Windows XP, the My Computer window’s listing is broken down by categories: Hard Disk Drives, Devices With Removable Storage, and so on. One of these categories is Files Stored On This Computer, which appears at the top of the My Computer window. If a user doesn’t need it (and most folks don’t), you can get rid of it. To do so, go to:
# HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\MyComputer\NameSpace\Delegate Folders
Delete the {59031a47-3f72-44a7-89c55595fe6b30ee} subkey to remove the category.

8: Erase the swap file at shutdown

You might be concerned about someone browsing your users’ swap files and gathering up little bits of their sensitive data. A remote possibility, to be sure, but it could happen. For that extra measure of security, go to:
# HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\System\CurrentControlSet\Control\Session Manager\Memory Management
Set the ClearPageFileAtShutdown DWORD to 1. This will make shutdowns take longer, because it overwrites everything in the swap file with zeroes. Don’t turn this feature on unless you have a serious security threat.

9: Adjusting System Restore values

The new System Restore feature in Windows XP automatically backs up a snapshot of your system, including your Registry, every 24 hours. It also saves restore points for 90 days. Neither of these values is directly editable in the System Restore program, but you can change them in the Registry. Go to:
# HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\WindowsNT\CurrentVersion\SystemRestore
You’ll find an assortment of settings here. To change the interval between automatically created restore points, change the RPGlobalInterval setting. To change the number of days that a restore point is retained, change the RPLifeInterval setting.
System Restore time intervals are measured in seconds, not days, so you must convert the number of days you want into seconds. There are 86,400 seconds in a day, so multiply 86,400 by the number of days you want to determine the value. There are 3,600 seconds in an hour.

10: Create a right-click command prompt option

You can right-click a folder to get a list of actions you can apply to it. Here’s a way to create an action on that right-click menu that opens a command prompt window with that folder as the current directory. In a text editor such as Notepad, type the following:
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\Folder\shell\Cmd Here]@=”Command &Prompt Here”
[HKEY_CLASSES-ROOT\Folder\shell\Cmd Here\command]@=”cmd.exe /k pushd %L”
Save the file with any name you want, with a .reg extension. Then double-click the saved file and choose Yes to merge the file’s information into the Registry. You can delete the file. Right-click any folder and you’ll see the CommandPrompt Here option.

Conclusion

Registry editing doesn’t have to be a dangerous endeavor. With a careful eye to detail, any IT pro can make use of the powerful features included within the Registry. I hope you will use these tips as a guide to build on your own Registry editing skills.

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Registry Tools

RRT - Restriction Removal Tools


Enable Registry, Task Manager


Enable Control Panel


Disable Control Panel

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