Windows explorer "Tools" menu has gone... 1

[thelordoftherings]

Hello,

For some reason when I open the windows explorer (not the web browser but the local one to see drives and folders) I've noticed that I lost the regular "Tools" menu which had, amonmg other things, the "Folder Options..." section. Instead, when I click tools I only see these 3 options:
1. Map network drive...
2. Disconnect Network Drive...
3. Synchronize...

I assume this happened at the last week or two since before I remember using the "Folder Options..." option.
This is a home standalone xp pro computer with no other computers in a network and I am the administrator and only user on this computer. I tried to restore the computer but I ger the same problem. Anyone has an idea what might have caused this and how can I fix it?

 

[linney]

There is a Group Policy setting that may have removed this option. Check out User Configuration/ Administrative Templates/ Windows Components/ Windows Explorer.




Try typing Control folders in the Start Run box.

 

[thelordoftherings]

Hey linney,

Where do I find it exactly and what do I need to check there?

 

[linney]

Type Gpedit.msc in the Start Run box. Check out User Configuration/ Administrative Templates/ Windows Components/ Windows Explorer.

Click on "Windows Explorer" and have a look at the third item down which mentions "Removes the Folder Options......."

Right-click on that item (the Folder Options item) and make sure in the Properties that "Not Configured" or "Disabled" is checked. If "Enabled" is checked that might be the problem and you may have to change it.


Part of your problem may be a corrupt Profile, so checkout to see if you have your original problem if you logon as another user.

811151 - How to Copy User Data to a New User Profile

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=811151

Also see if your username has this problem if you logon in Safe Mode.

 

[wasisnt]

Are the File and Edit etc menus still there?

Free Computer Help and Tips:

http://www.onlinecomputertips.com/

 

[thelordoftherings]

wasisnt: These menues are there.
Linney: Thank you, this solved my problem. One question though: Now I only have "Folder Options..." at the "Tools" menue. Could you please tell me how the standard Tools menue looks like and what do I need to enable/disabler more in order to fully restore it?

10X

 

[linney]

In your first post you mentioned 3 other items -

1. Map network drive...
2. Disconnect Network Drive...
3. Synchronize...

Number 4. Folder Options, completes the list.

Are you now saying you have gained Folder Options but lost the other 3?

That Group Policy section has the same procedure available for "Map Network Drive" and "Disconnect Network Drive". Just follow those steps you used to resurrect "Folder Options".

With a bit of luck (in other words I'm not too sure), when you fix the above "Synchronize" may return?

How To Configure Offline Files to Synchronize When a Particular Network Connection Becomes Active

http://support.microsoft.com/kb/312171/en-us?FR=1&PA=1&SD=HSCH

If someone or something has been altering your Group Policy settings you could try setting everything back to the default settings.

How To Reset Security Settings Back to the Defaults

http://support.microsoft.com/default.aspx?scid=313222#1

You can also run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

Removing adware & spyware
faq608-4650

Try the free version of "Ewido"

http://www.ewido.net/

Windows Defender

http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx

Some general things to try.

See if System Restore will get you back to a restore point before your problem with Explorer.

Try Safe Mode (Do you have this problem in Safe Mode?). Try Normal Mode, but as another user in case your current user profile is corrupt.

Try running ChkDsk to check your drive for errors. Right-click your Drive icon/ Properties/ Tools/ Error Checking. Select both boxes.

Run the System File Checker program from the Run Box by typing.....Sfc /Scannow in it and have your XP CD handy.

HOW TO: Verify Unsigned Device Drivers in Windows XP

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q308/5/14.asp

If they don't work you could try repairing windows by running it over itself. You will lose all your windows updates but your files will be untouched.

How to Perform an In-Place Upgrade (Reinstallation) of Windows XP (Q315341)

http://support.microsoft.com/support/kb/articles/q315/3/41.asp

 

[thelordoftherings]

Hey Linney: 10X alot again for all the links and the work you put into the answer. Now I have the complete list. Well done!

 

[linney]

Glad you are happy.

Save me some typing for next time, and tell us which suggestion fixed it to your satisfaction.

 

[thelordoftherings]

How could I have saved you typing? The last long post you wrote is the one which completley solved my problem...

 

[linney]

You, yourself, couldn't have saved me some typing (actually copy and pasting), I was thinking about the future, and rather than listing a list of 10 or so suggestions, I was hoping you could narrow down the suggestion (in that long list) which worked for you, that's if you know which one worked?

 

[thelordoftherings]

Hey Linney,

After you said how the full menu supposed to look like I understood that all I needed was simply to restore the Folder Options. But all the information you put in there was very valuable for the future and I thank you for that.