/ Internet Closed due to Data Execution Prevention

Internet Closed due to Data Execution Prevention

My Internet browser is not working. It keeps saying, “Internet closed due to data execution prevention.” I follow the onscreen instructions on how to turn it off, but it hasn’t worked. How can I get my Internet browser back? Celeste Stewart

You have to love computer error messages. The Internet has been closed? And what exactly is “data execution protection” anyway? Let’s dig into this mysterious message and see if we can convince the Internet to remain open for business.

Data Execution Prevention (DEP)

According to Microsoft, Data Execution Prevention is a collection of hardware and software technologies designed to keep malicious code from running by performing additional memory checks. These technologies are described in greater detail in Microsoft’s Knowledge Base article # 875352 and Data Execution Prevention: Frequently Asked Questions.

Data Execution Prevention blocks a certain type of security threats such as virus that try running malicious code. When the code is executed, Data Execution Prevention creates an “exception” and Windows exception handling processes take over, thus preventing the code from running. In other words, when DEP detects malicious code, it closes down the program where the code originates.

What’s Triggering the Data Execution Prevention Error?

Not all software is compatible with Data Execution Prevention errors. However, since Data Execution Prevention has been around since Windows XP, most applications have since added DEP support.

For users who receive DEP errors consistently with a single program (other than your Web browser) and you trust the software, first try updating the program. The software developer may have since updated the software to be compatible with DEP. If that doesn’t work, you can create an exception in your computer’s DEP settings by going to My Computer > Properties > Advanced > Performance > Settings > Data Execution Prevention. Select “Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select” and then enter the programs that you want DEP turned off for.

Data Execution Prevention and Internet Explorer

Because your message occurs in Internet Explorer, it sounds like a malware is attempting to execute code when you either open Internet Explorer or visit a specific Web page. Many users have reported DEP errors after upgrading to Internet Explorer 8. The first thing to try is an update. Use Windows Update to update your operating system and your Internet Explorer. Microsoft could very well have solved the problem and issued a fix that hasn’t yet been applied to your system.

Run Internet Explorer with No Add-ons

Go into Start > Programs > Accessories > System Tools and find Internet Explorer No Add-ons. Click that and Internet Explorer will load with just its bare necessities - no Java, no media players, no Flash, no third party toolbars, or other goodies. Does the message appear? Probably not which would indicate that one of the add-ons is the culprit.

Whether or not you suspect an add-on as the malicious program, you’ll want to update your antivirus/antimalware software and then run a full system scan. There’s obviously something on your computer that is trying to run malicious code. If you do not have a reputable antivirus product such as McAfee, Norton, ParetoLogic, or Trend Micro, invest in one. Look for one with active or real-time protection. More importantly, only go with a reliable product from a reputable developer because there are far too many fake antivirus programs out there. If you need recommendations, view our list of antivirus reviews.

An updated operating system and browser coupled with a complete malware scan should solve the problem. You can turn off DEP in Windows Explorer as a last resort, but let’s not go there. Data Execution Prevention is blocking something and while turning DEP off would stop the messages, the malicious code would run and that’s not good. Plus, in the future, other malware could do the same thing.