Use the Internet Explorer Information Bar

Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) includes many additional features that allow you to take control of your security when you surf the Web. Internet Explorer now displays an Information Bar (just below the address bar) where you can see information about downloads, blocked pop-up windows, potential security risks, and other activities. This information helps you to avoid potentially harmful files you might otherwise accept from the Internet. The Information Bar doesn't clutter up your browser when you don't need it. It only appears when there's information to communicate.

If Internet Explorer default settings are on, you'll see the Information Bar when a Web site tries to:

•	Install an ActiveX control on your computer.
•	Open a pop-up window.
•	Download a file to your computer.

Tip When you see a message in the Information Bar, click the message to see more information or to take action.

Information Bar with Pop-up Blocker message

How the Information Bar Works

Sometimes Web sites will display an ActiveX control or active content that may be potentially dangerous or try to download a file to your hard drive without your knowledge or permission. This is how many people accidentally get spyware on their computer. The Information Bar notifies you when it blocks this content and then lets you decide what to do.

Then you can view the Web page without the content that may be dangerous and if the page displays properly, you can (and probably should) choose not to display the active content.

To install the ActiveX control

1.	Click the Information Bar.
2.	Click Install ActiveX Control.

If a site tries to download a program without your permission, you'll see the alert below. Then you can choose to download the program, but if you don't know and trust the source, we don't recommend it.

If a Web site tries to download a program to your computer you will see this message.

If you're certain that you want to download the file, follow the steps below:

1.	Click the Information Bar.
2.	Click Download File.
3.	When you are prompted to download the file, read the information in the dialog box very carefully. Make sure the file is from a Web site that you absolutely trust.

Change Your Security Settings

In some cases the information bar will display a message telling you that your security settings do not allow for a particular action. Because some content could create a potential hazard to your computer, you should be certain that you trust the publisher of the Web site before you decide to install the content on your computer.

If you're certain that you trust the Web site, you can follow the steps below:

1.	On the Tools menu, click Internet Options.
2.	On the Security tab, click Default Level.

If you are unable to change this setting, your administrator might have control over the setting.

Important The default security settings in Internet Explorer are designed to help protect your computer from viruses and attacks over the Internet. Microsoft strongly recommends that you leave these security settings at their default level or higher.