Open File - Security Warning

Hi - I am running WIN 7 Pro 64bit, and since the download and installation of SP1 I have been getting a Panel saying "Open File - Security Warning" _ 'Unknown Publisher', when trying to run IE9, Win Mail, plus a number of other Desktop icons (but not all). Clicking 'Open'at the bottom of the Security warning panel, the relevant app runs OK. If instead, I Go to the *.exe file in the appropriate folder, and double click it, the app runs immediately as pre SP1. Also, if I pin the *.exe file to the 'Task Bar', or 'Start Menu' the app again runs immediately without any security warning message.
It therefore appears to be only when attempting to run an app from the Desktop do I get the warning message. I have tried Deleting the desktop icon, then regenerating but still get the same Security message. Although it does not stop me working, It has become quite annoying over the past week !.
Is there anyone in the Forum who can come up with a suggestion on where the problem lies ?.By the way, I have carried out a full anti virus check with Kasperski which gives a clear bill of health.

Hi StalkeR, Thank you for your response to my problem. Unfortunately your recommended tutorial is aimed at progs that do not have a Publisher/certificate listed. In my case the Publisher, and certificate are clearly listed and recognised in the *.exe file thus will run without any further change.
To re-cap my problem - I give two examples, iexplore 9, and Google Chrome. Going to the relevant *.exe , the application runs normally, Pinning the *.exe to either the Task Bar, or Start Menu, and clicking form those locations, also works normally. but sending a shortcut to the Desktop, then clicking the icon shortcut created, causes the 'Unknown Publisher' security panel to appear.
Other applications such as MS Word 2007, and Adobe Reader 9 work normally even from the Desktop Shortcut with No error message !

Hi - Just to finish this thread - I still don't know WHY it happened, but have found a way to clear it.
As the problem only seemed to affect those shortcuts with a .lnk ending, I deleted the Desktop Folder completely, in C:\Users\Me\. then rebooted, after which Win 7 had created a new, but empty Desktop Folder. After creating new desktop shortcuts for those items missing, I was back to normal running with all desktop icons, therefore clearing all my problems.
As a side issue whilst investigating the problem, I found an MS Instruction in how to adjust the DEP (Data Execution Prevention settings) which I knew nothing about previously ! I reproduce it here for info in case any other forum member requires to run safe individual programs, without the annoying 'Unknown Publisher' warning panel appearing.

Change Data Execution Prevention settings


Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a security feature that helps prevent damage from viruses and other security threats by monitoring your programs to make sure they use the computer's memory safely. For more information, see What is Data Execution Prevention?
If you want to turn off DEP for a program you trust, first check to see if the software publisher has made a DEP-compatible version of the program or made an update available before you change any DEP settings. If an update or DEP-compatible version is available, we recommend installing it and leaving DEP turned on so you can benefit from the protection it can provide. But if the publisher has not released an updated, DEP-compatible version of the program, you can turn off DEP for the program. You'll be able to use the program, but it might be vulnerable to an attack that could spread to your other programs and files.

1. <LI class=step>[IMG]mshelp://help/?id=Microsoft.Windows.Resources.ShellExecuteTopicIcon[/IMG]Click to open System.
   <LI class=step>Click Advanced system settings. If you're prompted for an administrator password or confirmation, type the password or provide confirmation.
   <LI class=step>Under Performance, click Settings.
   <LI class=step>Click the Data Execution Prevention tab, and then click Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.
   <LI class=step>To turn off DEP for an individual program, select the check box next to the program that you want to turn off DEP for, and then click OK.
   If the program is not in the list, click Add. Browse to the Program Files folder, find the executable file for the program (it will have an .exe file name extension), and then click Open.
2. Click OK, click OK in the System Properties dialog box if it appears, and then click OK again. You might need to restart your computer for the changes to take effect.

Note

• To turn on DEP for a program, clear the check box next to the program that you want to turn on DEP for, and then click OK

So I can see that there hasn’t been anything new added here lately, but I thought I would put in my 2 cents solution.

I just recently upgraded to Windows 7.
I have not followed any of the instructions given here or elsewhere.
I really didn’t want to change the security settings or User Access Control and I’m not big about editing the registry.

I think I just stumbled onto something that worked for me. Not sure that it will work for everyone or all the time. Hopefully it will.

For desktop shortcuts that provide you with the security warning that requires you to click open, try this.
1. Right click the shortcut on your desktop
2. Click properties
3. Click open file location (This will open the folder where the .exe file is)
4. Right click the .exe file
5. From that menu click create shortcut (Do not use the send to desktop create shortcut) The create shortcut will create a shortcut file inside that folder.
6. Drag that shortcut file to your desktop
7. Try it. If that works for you, then delete the original shortcut on your desktop.

My file no longer has the security warning when I click the shortcut on the desktop.
Good luck.