IE: Content advisor and password recovery

This step-by-step article describes how to use the Internet Explorer 6.0 Content Advisor to control access to Web sites. You can configure Internet Explorer to control the kinds of content users can view in the browser.

You can control content in two manners. You can use content rating systems, or you can specify Web sites. Administration of content-rating systems is done by independent organizations. Internet Explorer defaults to the ratings from the Internet Content Ratings association.

HOW TO: Use the Internet Explorer 6 Content Advisor to Control Access to Web Sites in Internet Explorer
Browse the Web with Internet Explorer 6 and Content Advisor

And incase you forgot the password you can remove it from the following method:

The following steps will remove any password set in the Internet Explorer Content Advisor and allow you to reset the program to its original state.

1) Click on Start and choose Run.
2) Type in RegEdit and select OK.
3) Now click on the little plus sign to the left of H_KEY_LOCAL_MACHINE.
4) Continue to drill down, always clicking on the plus sign at the left of the named key, through Software, Microsoft, Windows, Current Version and Policies.
5) Now click on the Ratings folder.
6) In the right pane of the RegEdit window, you'll see an icon called Key. Click on it and press Delete.
7) Next, choose Registry and then Exit to exit RegEdit. You've just deleted your original Content Advisor password.
8) Restart the computer and run Internet Explorer again.
9) Choose View and then Internet Options (or Options for version 3.x). For IE 5 or greater, Click on Tools, Internet Options.
10) Click on the Content tab and click on Disable. When asked for a password, don't enter anything; just click on OK. This will disable Content Advisor because there's no longer a password.



How to Fix Problems with Content Advisor Missing Information

In most cases, this problem occurs when the Ratings.pol file is damaged, follow the instructions below to fix this issue.

1) Quit Internet Explorer
2) Open My Computer, click on Tools, Folder Options
3) Click on the View tab and make sure "Show hidden files and folders" is selected, you may also want to uncheck the box next to "Hide extensions for known file types" and click Ok
4) Double click on Drive C in My Computer
5) Double click on the Windows folder and then double click on the System folder
6) Search for the file RATINGS.POL and right click on it and choose Rename. Rename it to RATINGS.OLD
7) Close out of the open Windows and then reopen Internet Explorer
8) Click on Tools, Internet Options
9) Click on the Content tab, then click on Settings
10) Type in the Supervisor password if necessary and click Ok
11) Select the Ratings options you would like and click Ok and close out of Internet Explorer
12) When you reopen Internet Explorer, everything should work.
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0-day Microsoft DirectX vulnerability discovered for XP

Microsoft warned yesterday that hackers are using QuickTime media files to exploit an unpatched 0-day vulnerability in DirectShow.

In a posting on Microsoft's security response center blog company officials confirmed the new vulnerability affects Microsoft DirectShow in Windows 2000, Windows XP and Windows Server 2003, under limited attack.

After initial investigation Microsoft have confirmed that the vulnerable code was removed as part of their work building Windows Vista. This means that Windows Vista and versions of Windows since Windows Vista (Windows Server 2008, Windows 7) are not vulnerable.

An attacker would try and exploit the vulnerability by crafting a specially formed video file and then posting it on a website or sending it as an attachment in e-mail. While this isn't a browser vulnerability, because the vulnerability is in DirectShow, a browser-based vector is potentially accessible through any browser using media plug-ins that use DirectShow.

Microsoft have provided workarounds for the exploit available under the 971778 security advisory.

source

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Microsoft removes key limit for Windows 7 Starter

Microsoft confirmed on Friday that, with Windows 7, it will lift the limitation that the entry-level "Starter Edition" run no more than three applications at a time.

With Windows 7, Microsoft is for the first time allowing the product to be used globally, as opposed to just in emerging markets. In particular, Microsoft is positioning it as its lowest-cost Windows 7 option for Netbooks.

Initially, Microsoft said it would maintain that restriction that users run no more than three programs at a time, however speculation has been growing that it would lift that limitation.

"We believe these changes will make Windows 7 Starter an even more attractive option for customers who want a small notebook PC for very basic tasks, like browsing the Web, checking e-mail, and personal productivity," Microsoft said in a blog posting on Friday.

Although Microsoft is lifting the three-application limit, it notes that there are still a number of other differences between Starter and Home Premium, including the former's lack of support for Windows 7's cool graphics, multiple monitors, Windows Media Center or XP Mode, among other features.

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Microsoft launches XBox 360 Gold giveaway

Even with recent news that Microsoft is planning on laying off about 17% of it's employees, the software giant launched it's Lunar New Year promotion. From now until February 15th 2009, residents of Hong Kong will have an opportunity to win some golden XBox 360's. Although these consoles are not solid gold, they are worth a lot more than what participants will have to pay to enter the competition.

To enter the competition you need to purchase a XBox 360 with a 60GB hard drive or an XBox 360 elite. The last step is sending an e-mail to Microsoft explaining why you love your XBox. There has been no word if any other regions will also have a competition like this. The winners will be announced on March 1st 2009.

source: neowin

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Office 14 Alpha screenshots leak

Microsoft is currently developing the successor to Office 2007, Office codenamed "14".

Russian site Wzor has leaked some screenshots of the Office 14 alpha build that was handed out to select testers this week.

Some of the screenshots are posted below

click on images to enlarge

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