The "NoControlPanel" Policy if set, prevents Control.exe, the Control Panel executable file, from starting. As a result, users cannot start Control Panel or run any Control Panel programs.
A value of 1 also removes Control Panel from the Start menu, and it removes the Control Panel folder from Windows Explorer. If a user tries to start a Control Panel program by another method, a message appears explaining that a policy prevents the action.
If yours is a standalone system (not a part of a corporate network), then try this:
Click Start, Run and type "regedit.exe" Press {ENTER}
Navigate to the following branch:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ExplorÂÂÂer
Backup the key by exporting it (from the File menu, choose Export) as a REG file.
In the right pane of the above key, delete the value named "NoControlPanel" (if found)
Repeat the same in this branch:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\ExploÂÂÂrer
Exit the Registry Editor.
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Regards,
Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting
http://www.winhelponline.com
when I log in I can't see my control panel option! How do I get it back?