An Open dialog box appears in Internet Explorer when you try to run href-exes from the Internet zone in the .NET Framework 2.0 (914985)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0
Important This article contains information that shows you how to help lower security settings or how to turn off security features on a computer. You can make these changes to work around a specific problem. Before you make these changes, we recommend that you evaluate the risks that are associated with implementing this workaround in your particular environment. If you implement this workaround, take any appropriate additional steps to help protect your system.

Important This article contains information about how to modify the registry. Make sure to back up the registry before you modify it. Make sure that you know how to restore the registry if a problem occurs. For more information about how to back up, restore, and modify the registry, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

256986 Description of the Microsoft Windows registry

SYMPTOMS

In the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0, when you try to run href-exes from the Internet zone, the href-exes do not run. Instead, an Open dialog box appears in Microsoft Internet Explorer.

Note Href-exes are also known as no-touch deployment applications or zero impact deployment applications.

CAUSE

This issue occurs because the href-exes may potentially contain non-trusted code if the href-exes were downloaded from the Internet. By default, the .NET Framework 2.0 does not let you run Internet href-exes.

WORKAROUND

Warning This workaround may make your computer or your network more vulnerable to attack by malicious users or by malicious software such as viruses. We do not recommend this workaround but are providing this information so that you can implement this workaround at your own discretion. Use this workaround at your own risk.

Warning Serious problems might occur if you modify the registry incorrectly by using Registry Editor or by using another method. These problems might require that you reinstall your operating system. Microsoft cannot guarantee that these problems can be solved. Modify the registry at your own risk.

To work around this issue, use any one or more of the following methods:
  • Upgrade the application to use the ClickOnce feature. For more information about ClickOnce applications, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site:

    http://msdn2.microsoft.com/en-us/library/t71a733d(en-US,VS.80).aspx

  • Add the Web site that contains href-exes to the Trusted sites zone.
  • Use a control in the browser. Browser controls always run on the latest version of the .NET Framework. For more information about browser controls, visit the following Microsoft Web sites:

    Using Windows Forms controls in Internet Explorer
    http://www.windowsforms.net/articles/iesourcing.aspx

    Host secure, lightweight client-side controls in Microsoft Internet Explorer
    http://msdn.microsoft.com/msdnmag/issues/02/01/UserCtrl/default.aspx

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

    892466 How to run a user control assembly that is hosted on Internet Information Services (IIS) in Internet Explorer

  • Configure the computer to allow for Internet applications to run against earlier versions of the .NET Framework. Follow these steps, and then quit Registry Editor:
    1. Click Start, click Run, type regedit, and then click OK.
    2. Locate and then click the following key in the registry:

      HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\.NETFramework

    3. On the Edit menu, point to New, and then click DWORD Value.
    4. Type EnableInternetHREFexes, and then press ENTER.
    5. On the Edit menu, click Modify.
    6. Type 1, and then click OK.

STATUS

This behavior is by design.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:2/24/2006
Keywords:kbtshoot kbprb KB914985 kbAudITPRO kbAudDeveloper
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