Folder Options, again. *sigh*

[Hakon]

I've had this problem multiple times, but never understood what caused it nor found a fix for it, since it didn't really cause any problems (except for the occasional need to see system files). It does however annoy me quite a lot.

The following screenshots will explain it:













Let it be known, that I can't change any of the settings. They are stuck like this. My computer is clean from viruses and malware, and there are no files or registry entries hidden from the Windows API, so I'm pretty sure I don't have a rootkit.

Has anyone else had this problem?
What could cause this?
What could fix this?

Thanks in advance for your replies

 

[EzioAuditore]

Reset Folder option doesn't work?

 

[Hakon]

Nope, nothing changes. Neither the settings nor the look.

 

[Kari]

Those screenshots do not look like native Windows folder options. If you have used some third party apps to personalize your Windows, you have to search the answer from documentation of that app.

 

[EzioAuditore]

Does it work from a administrator account?

 

[EzioAuditore]

Those screenshots do not look like native Windows folder options. If you have used some third party apps to personalize your Windows, you have to search the answer from documentation of that app.

Either this or he has fiddled around with system files and registry a lot.

 

[Mike Connor]

Those are not native window folder options. There is some third party application being used to produce folder options like that.

Do you know what third party application, or have you applied special themes or other customisation?

Regards....Mike Connor

 

[Hakon]

I use no 3rd party apps to customize my windows, I don't fiddle with the registry (trust me, I learnt my lesson, it does NOT pay off). The screenshots were taken on an administrative account. The options are the same on a limited account, I also tried creating a new user (both administrative and limited) and looking at the settings there, they were the same. I'd just like to throw it out there that I'm on my 4th year in IT, have managed windows and linux based servers and worked in IT for a while, so I'm not that new to computers.
I honestly have no idea what could be causing this :shock:

 

[Kari]

Hakon, if you have not changed folder options yourself for instance with some personalization hacks or app, as you say, then basically the only option is that your Windows is not genuine and original. Those screenshots are most definitely not from original, native Windows 7 folder properties. If this is the case, if your Windows is a self made or downloaded, cracked copy, then this is a wrong place to ask help to get your issues solved.

Kari

 

[Hakon]

It's Genuine, I get it for free, so I have no reason to crack it

 

[Kari]

Hakon, I'm just saying those screenshots are not from genuine, original Windows 7. Absolutely, 100% sure not. You can say what you want to, it does not change this fact.

Here's how Folder Properties > View looks in original Windows 7:



Kari

 

[Mike Connor]

It's Genuine, I get it for free, so I have no reason to crack it

Is this a modified manufacturer's version of windows?

It is definitely not original retail windows, and I have never seen an OEM version with Folder Options like that.

Anyway, without knowing more about it there is no way I can see to give you any sensible advice.

Regards....Mike Connor

 

[Hakon]

Thanks for your reply, I can assure you they are. This has happened to me before, as I stated, multiple times. Before I got Windows for free, I used the Windows Loader, I had this issue before and after I used said activation tool. My installed copy of Windows is from MSDNAA, and the checksums verified.

On a more related note, could this be caused by HashTab, TeraCopy, or VirtualCloneDrive?

 

[Dwarf]

Those are definitely not the standard options with Windows 7. Mine are exactly the same as Kari's above. The only way that you can get alternative options like that is through the use of 3rd party programs.

 

[Mike Connor]

Thanks for your reply, I can assure you they are. This has happened to me before, as I stated, multiple times. Before I got Windows for free, I used the Windows Loader, I had this issue before and after I used said activation tool. My installed copy of Windows is from MSDNAA, and the checksums verified.

On a more related note, could this be caused by HashTab, TeraCopy, or VirtualCloneDrive?

No, it can not be caused by those things. You have a completely different set and display of "Folder Options" which is a standard windows component.

The only way to get something like you have there is by very heavy customistation, i.e. a completely different theme, loads of registry hacks, or a completely different shell.

Explorer is the standard shell, but there are others which would allow modding like this. For instance this;

SharpEnviro

or similar things.

The point is, that as none of us knows what has been done, or how, there is no way to give you any advice on fixing it! Obviously my colleagues here are as baffled as I am by it.

Regards....Mike Connor

 

[Kari]

None of the programs you mentioned do not rename all folder options. Besides, to get folder properties to let you enable SuperHidden and WebViewBarricade is only possible by modifying the registry for at least some extent, which you said can not be cause of your issue.

I hope you don't take this wrong, but a non-hacked, not modifed Windows 7 from MSDNAA do not have Folder Properties > View options as in your screenshots.

Kari

 

[James Colbert]

Based on the premise that it is indeed genuine Win 7 (I agree with the others that these are not native win 7 settings), have you tried running SFC?:

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/1538-sfc-scannow-command-system-file-checker.html

It should replaced any hacked or replaced system files with the original Win 7 files.

Also, you could check here to verify:

http://microsoft.com/genuine/validate

James

 

[MourningStar]

I'm In ...

Hi Gang - I'm in the wanting that folder size column camp. I've been sort of following this issue here & that 'other' thread and am curious about the 3rd-party s/w people are claiming can be used as an interim alternative. What's this site's recommendation? I'm willing to try one of these as long as they do not pose a threat to my computer.

thnx,
-Marcos

 

[Mike Connor]

Checked a load of mods and can't find anything like it, here a sample;

customised "folder options" screen shots - Google Search

Anyway, until you can give more information about it, ( and I hope it is not some weird practical joke from a fourth year IT student "jobbed up" to bamboozle us), EOT for me.

Regards....Mike Connor

 

[Hakon]

It just occurred to me, as I ran SFC, that I didn't re-install Windows after having my 4 broken memory chips replaced... oh lawds, format time ?
I used to get up to 3 BSOD's a day with those broken chips

C:\Users\hakon>sfc /scannow

Beginning system scan.  This process will take some time.

Beginning verification phase of system scan.
Verification 100% complete.

Windows Resource Protection did not find any integrity violations.

C:\Users\hakon>