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

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.

If you get an error message saying “This operation has been cancelled due to restrictions in effect on this computer. Please contact your system administrator” this means that someone has tampered with your computer settings and disabled the run box access.

How to enable the run command box.

1. Right click your mouse on the start menu icon.
2. A menu will appear. Choose properties from the menu.
3. Go to the start menu tab.
4. Click on the customize button.
5. Then click on advanced.
6. Now browse for run command and make sure there is a tick in the box next to it.


If that does not work try:

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