How do I get past the Security Zone protection on Windows Vista? It blocks all of my downloads even if I disable the firewall.
Microsoft Internet Explorer uses four different “security zones.” These zones include: Internet, Local Intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites. Each of these zones can have specific security settings. For example, when connected to the Internet, your computer should have tighter security than if you were connected to your company network.
These zones allow you to move Web sites from one zone to the next. Let’s say you regularly visit a particular Web site (such as your online banking Web site) and are willing to accept any ActiveX controls or run any scripts on that site because the site is trustworthy. In this case, you could send the site to the “trusted” security zone.
First, let’s tackle your issue of blocked downloads. These are most likely being restricted by the security zone settings of Internet Explorer. Fortunately, you can adjust these settings. Launch Internet Explorer and go to the Tools Menu. Pick Internet Options. Click on the Security tab and you will see the four settings. Highlight the Internet zone and you should see a sliding bar that you can adjust up or down. If you don’t see a sliding bar, then you have previously customized the security level for this zone.
You have two options here, either adjust your setting to a lower level (which could compromise other security concerns) or customize the settings. Click on Custom Level and you’ll see a list of different settings that you can change. Scroll down to the Downloads area. Click the option button that says Enable. Click OK to make the changes. You may need to reboot for the change to take effect.
Check the settings for each of the security zones. For example, if the site that you are trying to download content from is in your Restricted site list, then that’s why you can’t download. Restricted sites are generally untrusted and you shouldn’t download from them.
Another issue with some versions of Windows is that you must have administrative rights in order to install software. So, while you may be able to download a program, you may not be able to actually install it unless you are signed on as the administrator. Make sure that you are using a user account with administrative rights.
Finally, Windows Vista comes with a security measure called User Account Control that could be interfering. While it doesn’t necessarily block downloads, it does prompt you under certain circumstances such as when an unsigned program wants to access your computer. If you find User Account Control more annoying than useful, you can turn it off. Simply go to the Control Panel, click on Security Center, and then turn User Account Control off. If you have a good Internet Security software solution and firewall in place, your security software will warn you of dangers without needlessly nagging you the way User Account Control does.
Celeste Stewart | August 11th, 2008
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