AutoConfig URL Not Updating Custom Settings to IE (172026)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer Administration Kit 3.2a
This article was previously published under Q172026

SYMPTOMS

The Auto-Configuration URL is not updating custom settings to Internet Explorer even though the location is correct for the .Ins file that customizes the browser and Anonymous is allowed to the file via HTTP.

CAUSE

If the start page for Internet Explorer (IE) is not set up to HTTP, then the Auto-Configuration URL will not make the customized settings to Internet Explorer.

WORKAROUND

To work around the problem, change the Start page in Internet Explorer to use HTTP and no other protocol.

MORE INFORMATION

Auto-Configuration URLs are most useful if you want to use company-wide or group-wide settings. Auto-Configuration URLs enable you to maintain browser settings from a central .Ins file.

For example, you can create a set of individual per-user .Ins files. Within those files, you can specify one central Auto-Configuration URL for updating settings.

NOTE: The URL must begin with "http://"
For example: http://testsvr/test.ins

To set up Auto-Configuration URLs, you must first determine the specific number of .Ins files you need; for example, one for the whole company and one for each division. After you create the file or files, you can use the INS Editor to easily administer these configuration files. The INS Editor enables you to open any .Ins file and make changes to settings such as Proxy, Start, and Search pages, Quicklinks, and restricted option menu items.
  1. To open the INS Editor, click Insedit.exe, click Open, and then locate a sample .Ins file, such as Instal.ins located in the \Reskit\Isp\Servless folder.
  2. Make any changes to the default settings.
  3. Save the revised file with a unique file name; for example, Sales.ins.
  4. Copy the new .Ins file to an HTTP server share. When you are running the wizard, specify the path to this URL when it is requested.
  5. Repeat steps 1-3 for each .Ins file you want.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed this to be a problem in IEAK version 3.2a. We are researching this problem and will post new information here in the Microsoft Knowledge Base as it becomes available.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:1/1/2000
Keywords:kbprb KB172026
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