Q:    Somehow the Folder Options sub-menu is gone from my Tools menu. How do I have this option be available again? This tab use to show the hidden file and also view the file extension.

A:    NoFolderOptions policy hides the Folder Options applet in the Control Panel, and the Folder Options sub-menu under Tools menu in Windows Explorer. To get the option back, (For stand-alone systems) follow this:

  • Create a System Restore point first. Then start Regedit.exe and navigate to:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer

(and)

HKEY_CURRENT_USER \ Software \ Microsoft \ Windows \ CurrentVersion \ Policies \ Explorer

  • Delete the NoFolderOptions value in the right pane.
  • Close Regedit.exe

And please wait......this problem does not occur automatically. There are plethora of viruses and other malware which enable the above restriction, and in addition, hides the file extensions, hides the protected files (showsuperhidden). A quick Google search lets you know the names of the Viruses which disable the folder options applet. Use this link:

http://www.google.com/search?&q=nofolderoptions+site%3Asymantec%2Ecom

Therefore, it's a wise idea to do a thorough checkup of the system. Here are some links with malware removal advice.