How to get back SP-2 Run/Cancel warning on certain file types

[Marlan]

This is a simple one (although "simple" and "easy" are not the same
thing). After installing WinXP SP-2, you are prompted to "Run" or
"Cancel" certain files upon trying to open them. One example is with
REG files. And as with many dialogs of this type, there is an option
right on the dialog to disable the warning in the future.

Against my better judgment, I disabled the warning for REG files without
scanning the registry first to see what registry value got changed.
Now, I would like it back. It's no big deal, but I'd like to know how,
if only for edification.

I could reproduce the same steps with another file type, but can't seem
to find one it works with. (Why can I run VBS files with no warning,
but REG files throw a red flag?)

In any event, going into Folder Options does not seem to do it. This
warning is separate from the "Confirm open after download" setting. So
please don't suggest that.

 

[Jon]

Interesting post.

This is what I've discovered......

Seems to be done on an individual file file basis, storing the information
in a "Zone.Identifier" alternate data stream connected to the file itself,
rather than in the registry.

In other words if you downloaded the file again, or tried another file with
the same extension, the prompt would perhaps reappear (not tested this)

To make the prompt reappear for an individual file, try the following
experiment.....

Create a file in notepad, calling it eg file.txt, in the same folder as your
..reg file,containing these 2 lines

[ZoneTransfer]
ZoneId=3


Open a command prompt window for the directory containing the two files

Enter the following command (where "filename.reg" is the name of the file)

type file.txt >filename.reg:Zone.Identifier


Restart windows / or logout+login and retry the file.


(To view the Zone.Identifier information for a particular file
"filename.reg", type the following at a command prompt in its containing
folder
more <filename.reg:Zone.Identifier >file.txt
Then open file.txt up in notepad to view)


Jon