Internet Explorer blocks .ins file downloads, and you cannot connect to the Internet (873172)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows XP Professional Service Pack 2 (SP2)
  • Microsoft Windows XP Home Edition Service Pack 2 (SP2)

SYMPTOMS

When you try to sign up for something on the Internet or when you try to connect to your local Internet service provider (ISP), you may start to download an Internet Naming service file (.ins). When the file download starts, you may receive the File Download - Security Warning dialog box with the following message: Do you want to open or save this file?The message that you receive also displays information that is similar to the following information:Name: File_name.ins
Type: Internet Communications Settings
From: Your_Network_Internet_Protocol_AddressYou can click Open, Save, or Cancel. If you click Open, Microsoft Internet Explorer prompts you to save the file or cancel the .ins file download. Regardless of which choice you make, your Internet connection may not be successful.

Note These symptoms may not occur on a computer that is not running Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2).

CAUSE

This behavior occurs because Microsoft Internet Explorer considers .ins files unsafe. To help protect your computer, Internet Explorer does not let you directly open .ins files.

WORKAROUND

To work around this behavior, contact your local ISP for information about how to sign up or about which Internet connection settings to use to sign up.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information about Internet Explorer and unsafe files, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

291369 Information about the unsafe file list in Internet Explorer 6

Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:8/31/2004
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB873172 kbAudEndUser
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