How to restore the Run command window when it is missing from the start menu

By Mitz

Free computer Tips

Computer users are often faced with the dilemma of a missing run command window in the Windows XP start menu. The run command window is very important as it lets you type commands in to execute programs and change settings. For example to edit your registry or to get to a dos command window the run window comes in very handy.

There are several reasons why the run command window could be missing from the start menu. Two top causes can be that your computer has had a virus or someone has accessed your computer and changed settings in the Local group policy.

Another way to bring back the run box window?

Warning: playing with the registry can cause your computer to fail.

1.      Open the registry editor (see below to see how)

2.      Go to HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer

3.      Make the word explorer blue

4.      If there is an entry on the left side  that says Norun then click on it once to make it blue

5.      Right click on it and choose delete or change the value (0 = disabled, 1 = enabled)

6.      Go to HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\
Explorer and do the same thing

7.      Restart your computer

Another way to restore your run window

1. Open Group policy to edit
2. Press on the plus sign next to User configuration
3. Press on the plus sign next to Administrative Templates
4. Find Start Menu & Toolbar in the menu and make it blue
5. A menu will appear in the right side
6. Double click on Remove Run from start menu
7. Chose 'Disable' and then click OK

See How to get to regedit and gpedit.msc when there is no run or command window

Notes:

• I would rather edit the Group policy than the registry as items are a bit easier to change. All you have to do is enable or disable items whereas in the registry you have to set values or delete entries to change settings.

• When you do get your run window back see this article for more Run Command Window commands

Share this website with a friend

• Run Command Window Some useful commands you can type in

• How to put a run command window shortcut on your vista start menu

• How to get to regedit and gpedit.msc when there is no run or command window

• How to clear and delete the run box history list that pops up

Mitz Pantic wrote this article and others for http://www.tips4pc.com  Browse Tips4pc.com for more articles that are written in an easy to understand interface and FREE computer help.