Security Warning on all Executables

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  1. Posts : 59
    7
       #1

    Security Warning on all Executables


    I just installed Windows 7 64-bit for the first time, and after installing all the "important" updates, I'm having this problem where all executable files (.exe, .msi, .bat), as well as shortcuts to .msc files (but not the files themselves) are prompting an "Open File - Security Warning / Do you want to run this file?" conformation (see attached screenshot).

    I got it mostly under control with a combination of enabling "Launching applications and unsafe files" in the Internet Security Zone settings, and adding the above file types to the "Inclusion list for moderate risk file types" in the Group Policy Editor.

    This has worked when launching files directly, but many installers extract their executables to the temp folder, where the're being blocked from running.

    I'd love to get at the underlying cause of this problem, but I'll accept any other workarounds anyone can offer.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Security Warning on all Executables-confirm.png  
      My Computer


  2. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #2

    Hello Xichael,

    This is the normal warning message that you will get when you try to run or open a file that was downloaded from the internet or saved to your computer from an external source.

    Normally, you would just need to unblock the file as in the tutorial below first to stop this message for the file.

    Open File - Security Warning : Unblock File


    For the workaround that you mentioned:

    Open File - Security Warning : Allow or Prevent to Unblock File

    Hope this helps,
    Shawn
      My Computer


  3. Posts : 59
    7
    Thread Starter
       #3

    Brink said:
    This is the normal warning message that you will get when you try to run or open a file that was downloaded from the internet or saved to your computer from an external source.
    This is not the usual warning you're thinking of. I'm familiar with this popping up for files I've downloaded, but this is happening with every executable file, including those installed with Windows - Internet Explorer or Notepad, for example - as well as programs I'd previously installed and run without incident - Chrome, Komodo Edit, etc.

    As I mentioned, this started after first running Windows Update, if that's any clue.
      My Computer


  4. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #4

    In that case, see if this may work for you instead. It uses the Inclusion list for low file types option instead that usually works better.

    Open File Security Warning - Enable or Disable
      My Computer


  5. Posts : 59
    7
    Thread Starter
       #5

    This does solve the problem for when opening files directly, but for installing apps that extract to the temp folder, the problem remains.

    For example, when installing Jing, it extracted an .msi file, but failed when attempting to run it (see attached screenshot). I could, however, open the temp folder and run it myself.

    I just tried installing Java as well, and it doesn't even get as far as extracting itself (2nd screenshot). Not sure how to get this installed.

    I really appreciate the help, Shawn.
    Attached Thumbnails Attached Thumbnails Security Warning on all Executables-jing_install_error.png   Security Warning on all Executables-java_install_error.png  
      My Computer


  6. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #6

    Well, that's good. We got it half way sorted.

    You might see if this may be able to help with that error. It's for XP, but still applies to Windows 7 as well.

    "The Windows Installer Service Could Not Be Accessed" error message when you install a program in Windows XP
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  7. Posts : 59
    7
    Thread Starter
       #7

    I had actually tried that, but it had no effect.
      My Computer


  8. Posts : 59
    7
    Thread Starter
       #8

    I am truly bewildered. I just went through and uninstalled every update (except a couple which didn't have the option: KB2533552 and KB976902). It had no affect.

    I then created a new user account, which has the same problem.

    I tried installing Microsoft Security Essentials. It failed as well, giving me a link to this article for a remedy which did not work.

    I suppose I could do a repair install, but I'd rather not have to. I don't have much faith that it would work anyway.

    Should I just go back to my trusty 32-bit? I had hopes of getting more RAM soon, but 64-bit is proving to be a debacle.

    But why? What has happened to my system? I've never encountered such an impenetrable conundrum.
      My Computer


  9. Posts : 71,977
    64-bit Windows 11 Pro for Workstations
       #9

    I think you may just have a bad install caused by something.

    I would usually recommend trying a system restore using a restore point dated before this happened, but since you just installed Windows you may not have one and a clean install of either 32-bit or 64-bit may be the option to do instead.
      My Computer


  10. Posts : 85
    Win 7 Pro x64
       #10

    Have you tried setting the UAC to "Never notify"? I got so annoyed with its interfering that this is what I ended up having to do.

    User Account Control - UAC - Change Notification Settings
    Last edited by Brink; 16 Oct 2011 at 00:27. Reason: added link
      My Computer


 
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