Internet Explorer always prompts for authentication when browsing to Web sites already logged on to (820780)

RESOLUTION

A supported hotfix is now available from Microsoft, but it is only intended to correct the problem that is described in this article. Only apply it to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix may receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next Microsoft Internet Explorer 6 service pack that contains this hotfix.

To resolve this problem immediately, contact Microsoft Product Support Services to obtain the hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Product Support Services telephone numbers and information about support costs, visit the following Microsoft Web site:Note In special cases, charges that are ordinarily incurred for support calls may be canceled if a Microsoft Support Professional determines that a specific update will resolve your problem. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for the specific update in question.

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time tool in Control Panel.

   Date         Time   Version        Size     File name
   -------------------------------------------------------
   06-Aug-2003  13:15  6.0.2800.1243  586,240  Wininet.dll

Warning If you use Registry Editor incorrectly, you may cause serious problems that may require you to reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that you can solve problems that result from using Registry Editor incorrectly. Use Registry Editor at your own risk.

This hotfix uses the following registry information to determine how to treat the socket during a 401 Authentication. To use the hotfix, set the registry value to 0. To turn off the hotfix and revert to the original behavior, set the value to 1. By default, the installation of this hotfix package sets the value to 0.

To set the registry value to 0, follow these steps:

1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
2. Locate and then click either of the following keys in the registry:

   HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings
   
   HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings

3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD.
4. Type ReleaseSocketDuring401Auth, and then press ENTER.
5. On the Edit menu, click Modify.
6. Type 0, and then click OK.