Enable Folder Options

We might have noticed when our system was new we're able to see Folder Options under the Tools in any folder and even in Control Panel. But sometimes the viruses and some malwares makes them disable. The steps given below will work only with Windows XP Professional Edition. Before doing this make sure to scan your system and remove any viruses if any using a good anti virus.

Step 1: Click on Start -> Run and type gpedit.msc then click on Ok

Step 2: Then from the left pane expand in turn to,
User Configuration -> Administrative Templates -> Windows Components -> Windows Explorer

Step 3: Double click Remove the Folder Options menu item from the Tools menu in the right pane

Step 4: Select Not Configured and click on Ok

Now you can see Folder Options in Tools Menu

How to fix Show/Hide Files option in Folder Options

When you set the option to Show Hidden Files in Folder option, and after clicking apply or ok the the files are still not shown then your system is affected with virus.
Try first to remove virus from your system and then follow the steps below...

Step 1: Click on Start -> Run -> regedit (Note: You should have Administrator Privilege).

Step 2: In the left pane, expand My Computer -> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows -> CurrentVersion -> Explorer -> Advanced -> Folder -> Hidden -> NOHIDDEN

Step 3: Now in the right pane, Double Click "CheckedValue" in the name field, and enter the value in the Value Data as 2 and click on OK

Step 4: Now Double Click "DefaultValue" in the name field, and enter the value in the Value Data as 2 and click on Ok

Step 5: Nowfrom left pane select the next location i.e., SHOWALL
My Computer -> HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE -> Software -> Microsoft -> Windows -> CurrentVersion -> Explorer -> Advanced -> Folder -> Hidden -> SHOWALL

Step 6: Now in the right pane, Double Click "CheckedValue" in the name field, and enter the value in the Value Data as 1 and click on OK

Step 7: Now Double Click "DefaultValue" in the name field, and enter the value in the Value Data as 2 and click on Ok

Step 8: Close the Registry Editor by clicking on the Close Button or File->Exit

Step 9: Restart Your Computer


Note: Do not change any other settings other than the mentioned above else you may not be able to switch on your system.