contol panel icon missing from start menu

[Guest]

when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

 

[Guest]

Hi bard .. I have the same problem. Been this way for almost 2 weeks & can't
figure out whats wrong.

Kathleen

 

[Elmo]

When I click on Start and a window pops up, the Control Panel option is missing.
When I click on "Set program access and defaults:" I get the message "This
operation has been canceled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator".

Get your av software definitions updated, and run a complete scan. Also
try the following.

http://support.microsoft.com/?kbid=147381
How to Use System Policies On a Standalone Computer

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.

--
Regards,


Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

 

[Guest]

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.

--
Regards,


Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com

"Tried this but window pops up stating "Registry editing has been disabled
by your administrator."

 

[Guest]

I followed the instructions Ramesh gave & my Control Panel is back in My
Computer .. I can once again access "Set Program Access & Defaults" .. I will
be running scans to make sure the Trojan which caused this is gone (more
about that in another thread on here) .. Thank you & good luck Bard on
getting yours sorted.

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.

--
Regards,


Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com

"Tried this but window pops up stating "Registry editing has been disabled
by your administrator."

when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

You're welcome Kathleen.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


I followed the instructions Ramesh gave & my Control Panel is back in My
Computer .. I can once again access "Set Program Access & Defaults" .. I will
be running scans to make sure the Trojan which caused this is gone (more
about that in another thread on here) .. Thank you & good luck Bard on
getting yours sorted.

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.

--
Regards,


Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com

"Tried this but window pops up stating "Registry editing has been disabled
by your administrator."

when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Check here: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/tweakuirest.htm

Follow up with a thorough scan for Malware/Virus.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.

--
Regards,


Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com

"Tried this but window pops up stating "Registry editing has been disabled
by your administrator."

 

[Guest]

I have the same problem. I restored my system and when it asked me whether I
wanted to use the administrator id or my own, I clicked on administrator.
When the system came back up I no longer had a control panel selection in
the start menu and I get the same message as you.

I can't figure out how to sign on as administrator to give myself the
authority. If I log off my own ID and ask to change id's, administrator isn't
an option.

If you figure this one out, pls let me know
Wayne

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.


--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


I have the same problem. I restored my system and when it asked me whether I
wanted to use the administrator id or my own, I clicked on administrator.
When the system came back up I no longer had a control panel selection in
the start menu and I get the same message as you.

I can't figure out how to sign on as administrator to give myself the
authority. If I log off my own ID and ask to change id's, administrator isn't
an option.

If you figure this one out, pls let me know
Wayne

 

[Guest]

Thanks for your reply Ramesh. We made some progress.
The first registry entry was there and I deleted it. The second was not
there. There was no 'explorer' within 'policies'.

I rebooted and the control panel was there and responded when I selected it
but I am still restricted from any of the functions such as 'add/remove
programs' or 'change display resolution' etc. I get the same message as
before.

Wayne

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.


--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


I have the same problem. I restored my system and when it asked me whether I
wanted to use the administrator id or my own, I clicked on administrator.
When the system came back up I no longer had a control panel selection in
the start menu and I get the same message as you.

I can't figure out how to sign on as administrator to give myself the
authority. If I log off my own ID and ask to change id's, administrator isn't
an option.

If you figure this one out, pls let me know
Wayne

when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

 

[Ramesh, MS-MVP]

Wayne,

Check this: http://www.winhelponline.com/articles/63/1/

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


Thanks for your reply Ramesh. We made some progress.
The first registry entry was there and I deleted it. The second was not
there. There was no 'explorer' within 'policies'.

I rebooted and the control panel was there and responded when I selected it
but I am still restricted from any of the functions such as 'add/remove
programs' or 'change display resolution' etc. I get the same message as
before.

Wayne

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.


--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


I have the same problem. I restored my system and when it asked me whether I
wanted to use the administrator id or my own, I clicked on administrator.
When the system came back up I no longer had a control panel selection in
the start menu and I get the same message as you.

I can't figure out how to sign on as administrator to give myself the
authority. If I log off my own ID and ask to change id's, administrator isn't
an option.

If you figure this one out, pls let me know
Wayne

when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

 

[Alan Edwards]

Please post full details of the icon and restriction message.

....Alan

 

[puddles]

First of all, I'm new at this and I'm not computer literate.

My cousin couldn't access his control panel and when he clicked on it he got
the message, "This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect
on this computer. Please contact your system administrator". I had him
follow Ramesh's directions below and when he got to "explorer" in the tree
under HKEY_CURRENT_USER, "we" being computer illiterate, weren't sure how to
follow the export directions, but while "explorer" was highlighted, clicked
on file/export and when the dialog box opened typed in "explorer" in the file
name at the bottom and reg file was in the "save as type" at the bottom and
he clicked on save. "NoControlPanel" was shown under "data" and he deleted
that.

Trying to follow Ramesh's directions under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE, there was no
"explorer" link after "Policies" in that area.

We also ran Spybot and removed all the spyware, and also ran AdAware.

"Control panel" is missing from the start menu, and there is no "control
panel" folder in Windows Explorer. He still can't access the control panel.
I note that Ramesh indicates that a value of (1) causes these items to
disappear and I've seen that that value should be (0).

We have no idea how to locate this "value" nor how to change it.

If this is our problem, can someone advise what we need to do to be able to
access the control panel and restore the "control panel" icons and folders.

Thanks much,
Jerry Griffin

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.


--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


I have the same problem. I restored my system and when it asked me whether I
wanted to use the administrator id or my own, I clicked on administrator.
When the system came back up I no longer had a control panel selection in
the start menu and I get the same message as you.

I can't figure out how to sign on as administrator to give myself the
authority. If I log off my own ID and ask to change id's, administrator isn't
an option.

If you figure this one out, pls let me know
Wayne

when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

 

[Bernie]

Here is a variation of the same problem and I want to know if the same
solution is applicable.
The primary user of the WIndows XP Pro PC is defined in the "administrator"
group and has the same problem as Kathleen. The PC is a standalone which is
also connected to a Novell network. I am another user defined in the
"administator" group and I have no problems seeing the control panel icon in
the "start" menu. The user having the problem indicated it started when a
virus was detected and not removed... another symptom that occured at the
same time was the contents of the "hosts" file was removed.
Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Regards,
Bernie

You're welcome Kathleen.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com


I followed the instructions Ramesh gave & my Control Panel is back in My
Computer .. I can once again access "Set Program Access & Defaults" .. I will
be running scans to make sure the Trojan which caused this is gone (more
about that in another thread on here) .. Thank you & good luck Bard on
getting yours sorted.

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.

--
Regards,


Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com

"Tried this but window pops up stating "Registry editing has been disabled
by your administrator."

when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

 

[vicnic]

Check here: http://windowsxp.mvps.org/tweakuirest.htm

Follow up with a thorough scan for Malware/Virus.

--
Regards,

Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com

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\Explor­er


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\Explo­rer


Exit the Registry Editor.

--
Regards,


Ramesh Srinivasan, Microsoft MVP [Windows Shell/User]
Windows® Troubleshooting http://www.winhelponline.com

"Tried this but window pops up stating "Registry editing has been disabled
by your administrator."

when I click on start and window pops up the control panel option is missing.
When I click on "set program access and defaults: I get message " this
operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer.
please contact your systems administrator"

I did all that,

Click Start, Run and type "regedit.exe" Press {ENTER}


Navigate to the following branch:


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


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\Explo­rer
:- This branch did not exist
?????????????????????????????????????????????????


Exit the Registry Editor.but you never mentioned what to do with the saved
file ?? If anything? once I exited was I meant to re-boot ?? (i did and
nothing happened ??) now for some reason I dont seem to have anything in that
reg ??????
And my control panel is still MISSING ?????

How about a guide for the THICK person ie me !! with clear directions.
explaining why I am doing something.

Looks like a total HD wipe

Thanks microsoft