Service Pack 2: Security Changes Affecting Internet Explorer

With Service Pack 2 (SP2) for Windows XP, Microsoft has made security a priority. While this is a positive enhancement, it also means some things will work differently and not as seamlessly as they did before SP2 . Internet Explorer now has an Information Bar . The Information Bar appears below the Internet Explorer toolbar and contains a thin line of text that appears when a potential problem is spotted.

• Downloading Files from the Internet
• Accepting a Download
• Opening a Downloaded File
• Working with Pop-up Blocker

Downloading Files from the Internet

Internet Explorer does not automatically download and install software, the user must approve each download. Software downloads that happened automatically in the past are now blocked. Not only does this feature cover user-intended downloads, but also email attachments or pdf files.

The Information Bar

When you download a file from the Internet, the Information Bar will reflect a security message as seen here.

NOTE: If you click on the Information Bar where it states To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has blocked this site from downloading files to your computer. Click here for options , you have the option to allow that file to be downloaded or to continue blocking files from being downloaded from that site.

Accepting a Download

If you accept the download, or if you click on a link that says it will download software to your personal computer, a Security Warning will appear.

NOTE: It is recommended to Save the file to the local computer rather than running it. Saving it first gives your anti-virus software a chance to scan it for viruses.

Opening a Downloaded File

Once you have downloaded the software, a security warning will appear asking if you want to open the file. If you download software from the Internet, anyone else who tries to open the file in the future will also be warned that this software has not been verified by the company that claims to have published it. You can click RUN or INSTALL if you are confident that the software is legitimate.

Working with Pop-up Blocker

Internet Explorer now blocks many pop-ups automatically. The Pop-up Blocker protects your computer from pop-ups and potentially harmful viruses. The Pop-up Blocker gives you some options for modifying its settings: about the Information Bar , show the Information Bar , hide the Information Bar , view blocked Pop-ups , adjust settings for the Pop-up Blocker , and turn off Pop-up Blocker .

NOTE: If you have installed other pop-up blocking software (e.g., Google, MSN, Yahoo, etc.), it is recommended that you turn off Internet Explorer's Pop-up Blocker in either the add-on toolbar or in Internet Explorer.

1. From the Tools menu, select Pop-up Blocker » Turn Off Pop-up Blocker

About the Information Bar

The first time you visit a site that generates pop-ups, you will see the Information Bar informing you about blocking pop-ups. If you prefer not to see the same warning every time you open a new website, follow these instructions.

1. In the Information Bar dialog box, select Do not show this message again
   

2. Click OK
   NOTE: To see the pop-ups you can click in the Information Bar to allow them each time.

Showing the Information Bar for Pop-ups

If you go to a site that is not trusted and where pop-ups are prevalent, a warning will appear within the Information Bar .

To display the Information Bar:

NOTE: The Information Bar should automatically be displayed. If it is not, do the following:

1. From the Tools menu, select Pop-up Blocker » Pop-up Blocker Settings...
   The Pop-up Blocker Settings dialog box appears.

2. Under Notifications and Filter Level, select Show Information Bar when a pop-up is blocked

3. Click CLOSE

Hiding the Information Bar for Pop-ups

If you find that the Information Bar is distracting to your work on the Internet, you can hide it.

1. Within the Information Bar , click Pop-up blocked. To see this pop-up or additional options click here...
   A list of options appears.

2. Select Settings » Show Information Bar for Pop-ups

Viewing Blocked Pop-ups

If you decide you want to view the blocked pop-ups, follow these instructions.

1. To view the blocked pop-up, within the Information Bar , click Pop-up blocked. To see this pop-up or additional options click here...
   A list of options appears.

2. To allow pop-ups just during the current visit , select Temporarily Allow Pop-ups
   In the Information Bar , the Pop-ups Temporarily Allowed message appears.
   To allow pop-ups from this site anytime you visit it, select Always Allow Pop-ups from this Site...
   A confirmation Allow pop-ups from this site dialog box appears.
   
   1. Click YES

Adjusting Pop-up Blocker Settings

If there are certain websites that you trust or websites where you do not want to address each pop-up, you can allow pop-ups from these sites by adding them into you Pop-up Blocker Settings.

NOTE: We strongly recommending never turning off the Pop-up Blocker . It is there for your protection.

1. From the Tools menu, s elect Pop-up Blocker » Pop-up Blocker Settings...
   The Pop-up Blocker Settings appears.

2. In the Address of Web site to allow text box, type the desired website address
   

3. Click ADD
   The website appears under Allowed sites.

4. Repeat steps 2-3 as necessary

5. Click CLOSE

Turning Off the Pop-up Blocker

Although it is recommended that you never turn off the Pop-up Blocker , if you discover that modifying your Pop-up Blocker Settings does not allow you to work effectively in Internet Explorer, you can turn the Pop-up Blocker off.

1. From the Tools menu, select Pop-up Blocker » Turn Off Pop-up Blocker