"Not commonly downloaded" notification in IE9

[jamtomorrow]

Hi

I just tried to install the latest version of SceenHunter Pro from Wisdom Software website. When the download completed, I got a message in the notification bar at the bottom of IE9 that it is not commonly downloaded and could harm my computer. I deleted the download but it's from a reputable company and I didn't get that notification when I downloaded an earlier version a few weeks ago.

Your advice would be much appreciated.

 

[richc46]

There is no right or wrong answer here. The download can be a problem or on the other hand it can just be different.
I would use this software to test the download
VirusTotal - Free Online Virus, Malware and URL Scanner
If negative, I would google the software, if it is a problem many others will make comments.
Then I would ask myself if based upon the facts is the game worth it?
If you decide to download it make a system restore point first as soon as its downloaded make a full anti virus scan. If you do not like the results use System Restore to go back before the download.

 

[jamtomorrow]

richc46:

Thanks for your reply.

The program is for taking still image screenshots and the company's website is wisdom-soft.com.

Perhaps someone uses the program here.

 

[sygnus21]

I just tried to install the latest version of SceenHunter Pro from Wisdom Software website. When the download completed, I got a message in the notification bar at the bottom of IE9 that it is not commonly downloaded and could harm my computer. I deleted the download but it's from a reputable company and I didn't get that notification when I downloaded an earlier version a few weeks ago.

As rich has stated there is no right or wrong answer, it's just something IE does.... sort of saying we haven't seen too many of these downloaded. If you know what the program is and know the source is clean you can just ignore IE.

I've gotten some of these myself and I usually just scan the item with my AV and ignore IE. It's just one of those things IE does somethimes. When that happens, you have to make the choice to trust or not.

My two cents.

 

[Littlemutt]

I've seen that message.. I was downloading Firefox and just figured that was MS's joke

 

[chrysalis]

I wonder how the beta testers treated that warning because to me the warning is a bad move by MS. That warning will likely come up on lots of genuine software and scare people off from using it. The only way round it I have found is to disable smartscreen filter globally on the browser.

The option in advanced options to disable checking signature on downloaded programs has no affect on it.

 

[sygnus21]

I wonder how the beta testers treated that warning because to me the warning is a bad move by MS. That warning will likely come up on lots of genuine software and scare people off from using it. The only way round it I have found is to disable smartscreen filter globally on the browser.

I think its just a system design for IE to scan and compare downloads to a download database on what's deemed a safe download file. That as the system gets more info those warnings will decrease.

Now we can argue on the merits of monitoring info, but this happens every time you go on the net, so there's no need, and no need to debate that here.

Point is I think IE is analyzing downloads against a download database, that’s why you get those "never seen this file before" warnings.

My two cents, and of course I could be totally off base.

 

[chrysalis]

I am not going to argue the merits of monitoring info that doesnt bother me, although I will say how does it marked as safe given that users cannot report it safe. I know why the warnings are appearing, I just think its silly to give the impression to users that any file not in the database is dangerous.

 

[sygnus21]

Again this is a guess, but I think once the file is downloaded a few times IE will stop the warnings for that particular file/download.

That's my guess.

 

[chrysalis]

I tested numerous times with the same file. The only practical way to stop the warnings is to turn off smartscreen filter. Incidently I think IE8 does show warnings but they less scary and it doesnt change the available options of what to do with the downloaded file so its nowhere near as bad of an issue.

 

[pbcopter]

I personally like the warnings.
I can then decide if I want to keep the file or not.
It does not change what you can do with file since it is already downloaded.

 

[chrysalis]

I personally like the warnings.
I can then decide if I want to keep the file or not.
It does not change what you can do with file since it is already downloaded.

you have to do extra clicks to run it as the run option is not immediatly available. People like me notice this as I rate useability highly.

Whats wrong with something like this.

"verified as safe" - green
downloaded file not verified as fae or unsafe - white - default options available.
"verified as dangerous" - add extra loops to use the file.

you can decide to keep the file or not IE8 style anyway.

 

[Richardc269]

'tis why I use Google Chrome. I've always hated using Internet Explorer. Chrome gives me the most screen space than the other web browsers. It just shows me the tabs/address bar/options without using a crap-ton of space that IE and FF does with their own browsers.

 

[Layback Bear]

To me I.E.9 has three groups. 1. This is believed to be safe. 2. This is believed to be unsafe. 3. We have no idea at this time. Some what bothersome.

 

[sygnus21]

Google Chrome is the most perfect software ever invented. It's so good it'll never be updated, again.... why update perfection?.... and if it is updated, what are you saying?

Anyway I kind of like the warnings IE gives, keeps you on your toes for potential harmful downloads.

BTW here's IE9's "limited" screen space .....

 

[chrysalis]

umm what do you mean sygnus, every download is potentialy harmful I dont need a browser to tell me that. I dont mind been told an app is in a blacklist, but I do mind a LOT been told apps that are not verified bad are risky to run.

Since smartscreen filter hasnt been working for many days and that warning bugged the hell out of me its now disabled as long as the behaviour exists.

I am very curious how an app is determined safe by smartscreen filter as well given that there is no whitelist or report as safe button.