Restore Missing Items in Windows Vista Control Panel
Have you ever wondered where the Display Settings icon or Network Connections folder went in the Control Panel's Classic View? For that matter, why can't you search for them using the start menu search? Because they are prohibited from loading in the registry - that's why.
Look ma, no display settings!
To resolve this deliberate oversight, open up regedit.exe using the start menu search box, and then browse down to the following registry key:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Control Panel\don't load
Once you are there, you will see a number of items in the right-hand pane. Make a backup of that key with the export function, and then delete away.
desk.cpl is the Display Settings wizard, and ncpa.cpl is the network connections folder. I'm going to delete those two, and now if you hit refresh on your control panel (or re-open it) you'll see the items restored in your Control Panel:
You can even now find them when you search using the start menu search box, which really makes me happy.
Note that you can also hide control panel items using the same key if you choose.
my windows vista is giving a error message: windows control panel has stopped working, it says control.exe file is currupted. what is the solution for this.
Hi
I have lost the clock from gadgets, can anyone please hekp me?
Thanks
Very nice, thank you. Don't know why they disabled it in the first place.
I have a laptop with Vista Premium Home Edition and the icons in my control panel are missing and the laptop is not recognizing the printer. Microsoft has provided two "hotfixes" which have not resolved the issue (KB Article Number(s): 929637 (x64 and i386)). Will your solution fix the problem?
I am having the same problem as "Kevin." I tried the hotfixes but did not work. When I try to print it asks if the printer is available.
Whoo, now I can get to Network Connections without going via Network and Sharing Center again!