"Windows cannot open this program because it has been prevented by a software restriction policy" error message when a user tries to open a file in Windows Server 2003 (873419)



The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, 64-Bit Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Enterprise Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Web Edition
  • Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Standard Edition

SYMPTOMS

When a user in your organization tries to open a file that is listed under Designated file types in the Software Restriction Policies administrative tool, the user receives an error message that is similar to the following:
Windows cannot open this program because it has been prevented by a software restriction policy. For more information, open Event Viewer or contact your system administrator.
This symptom occurs in the following scenario:
  1. You (the administrator) set the default security level for Software Restriction Policies to Disallowed.
  2. You create a path rule and set the security level to Unrestricted.
  3. You configure the path rule to point to a mounted NTFS file system volume.

RESOLUTION

Hotfix information

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 Windows Server 2003 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.

Prerequisites

No prerequisites are required.

Restart requirement

You do not have to restart your computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

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.

Windows Server 2003

   Date         Time   Version           Size     File name
   -----------------------------------------------------------
   17-Aug-2004  18:56  5.2.3790.199      573,952  Advapi32.dll    

Windows Server 2003 64-bit editions

   Date         Time   Version         Size       File name
   -----------------------------------------------------------
   17-Aug-2004  06:22  5.2.3790.199    1,383,936  Advapi32.dll     IA-64
   17-Aug-2004  06:26  5.2.3790.199      573,952  Wadvapi32.dll    x86

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section.

MORE INFORMATION

For additional information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

824684 Description of the standard terminology that is used to describe Microsoft software updates


Modification Type:MinorLast Reviewed:6/1/2006
Keywords:kbQFE kbHotfixServer kbBug kbfix kbWinServ2003preSP1fix KB873419 kbAudITPRO