Protection mode off.

[billberry12]

When I go to internet explorer, taskbar shows Protected mode: Off. But when I go the the Security tab, the box is checked for it to be on. I run MSE, and that's all, which I know turns off Windows defender. Is this what's going on?

Is this anything I need to be concerned about?
Thanks,
Bill

 

[logicearth]

Do you have UAC off? Are you using the hidden Administrator account?

http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/63141-internet-explorer-protected-mode-turn-off.html

 

[billberry12]

I do have UAC off. I dont know what "hidden admisistrator" is. I am the only person ever on this laptop.

 

[logicearth]

Well IE's protection mode requires UAC. Protection mode uses UAC to put IE into a restrictive sandbox.
This sandbox makes drive-by exploits and others inoperable.

 

[Dwarf]

See: http://www.sevenforums.com/tutorials/63141-internet-explorer-protected-mode-turn-off.html

 

[billberry12]

I turned UAC back on, and it still saus Off

 

[Brink]

Hello Bill,

Did you restart the computer after turning UAC on, then double check the settings in IE to make sure that Protection Mode is still turned on?

See the warning box at the top of the link posted above for more details on this as well.

 

[billberry12]

I rebooted, and now its on. Do I need to leave it on, even if I am the only operator of this computer?
Thanks,
Bill

 

[Brink]

From link above:

Internet Explorer 8 protected mode is a feature that makes it more difficult for malicious software to be installed on your computer.

I would recommend to always leave it turned on for better protection.

 

[Dwarf]

You're welcome.

As for your question about leaving it on, that is your decision. My advice would be to leave this feature enabled, as I have.

 

[JonM33]

When I go to internet explorer, taskbar shows Protected mode: Off. But when I go the the Security tab, the box is checked for it to be on. I run MSE, and that's all, which I know turns off Windows defender. Is this what's going on?

Is this anything I need to be concerned about?
Thanks,
Bill

UAC needs to be enabled in order for Protected Mode to work.

I would advise against using IE8 anyway, but that's just me.