Malware often drops itself as a hidden file and then disables the Folder Options menu in Windows Explorer so you can't change the settings to view hidden files and folders. If you are unable to access the Tools | Folder Options in Windows Explorer, here's how to modify the registry to regain access to the Folder Options menu.
Note: If you are not familiar with editing the Registry, view the tutorial "How to Edit the System Registry". A more complete description of the Registry can also be found in the Windows System Registry Tutorial.
Difficulty: Easy
Time Required: 5 minutes
Here's How:
- Click Start
- Click Run
- Type REGEDIT
- Click OK
The Registry Editor will now open - Browse to the following key:
HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Note: HKCU stands for HKEY_CURRENT_USER - In the right pane, look for the value: NoFolderOptions
- Right click NoFolderOptions and select Delete. (When prompted with "Are you sure you want to delete this value", select Yes.
- Now browse to the following key:
HKLM\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Explorer
Note: HKLM stands for HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE - In the right pane, look for the value: NoFolderOptions
- Right click NoFolderOptions and select Delete. (When prompted with "Are you sure you want to delete this value", select Yes.
- Close the Registry by choosing File | Exit
- You should now be able to access the Folder Options menu. If not, reboot into Safe Mode and repeat the steps outlined above.
