Missing Administrative Tools in Start Menu

Either the shell folder path for the Administrative Tools folder has somehow been reset incorrectly or the Administrative Tools were deleted accidentally.

To restore the Administrative Tools menu list, follow the directions below:

1. Be sure to make a backup copy of your registry prior to making any changes.
2. Go to Start>> Run. Type in: regedit [Enter] or click OK.
3. Navigate to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\User Shell Folders

4. If listed, right click and delete the registry entry titled: Common Administrative Tools
5. Navigate again, to the following registry key:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Explorer\Shell Folders

6. Again, if listed, right click and delete the registry entry titled: Common Administrative Tools.
7. Exit the Windows Registry and restart Windows.