I built my dad a PC a couple of months ago. Now when I try and look at windows explorer or my computer I get DEP errors. Would I be right in thinking that DEP was probably downloaded recently as a windows update (as I haven't had these problems previously). Any help much appreciated.

ta.

Can you be more specific as to what DEP errors you are getting? Then i can offer more specific help.

when I try and open windows explorer I get a dialogue box entitled Data Execution Prevention - Micosoft windows, then the body of text says - To help protect your computer windows has closed this program - Name: windows explorer, Publisher: Microsoft Corporation. then it says Data execution prevention helps protect against damage from viruses and other security threats.

I agree with SE that a specific DEP error code will be more helpful. What you gave us is too generalized so all I can do is give you this general description of DEP.

i_XpUser

Hey Dave,

It looks like you have a bit of a problem in that your version of Internet Explorer has some type of virus or exploit associated with it. The reason you are getting the Data Execution Protection error (DEP) message is because DEP is designed to prevent malicious code from running on systems running Windows XP SP2 and windows 2003 server.

I suggest you download and install all available windows security updates for Internet Explorer or even upgrade to IE 7. Also run a good virus program and a good malware program like Spybot.

thanks Xpuser and social Engineer. There is no specific codes given only what I've said!
I'lll try spybot. My system is upto date with windows updates and my AVG is uptodate - no viruses shown.

DEP knocking out windows explorer??? do they (at long last) acknowledge the threat inflicted by their own browser? :-)

Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

no, windows explorer not internet explorer.

Read the MSKB again. It explains how you selectively disable DEP for individual 32-bit programs, in this case - Windows Explorer. I would try it to see how DEP react afterward.

i_XpUser

thanks Xpuser that seems to be the way forward. I would like to know if DEP was in a recent update for my Dad's PC, that would explain it croping up now. -He doesn't go on the net much and we're behind a router so we are reasonably secure - I think??

thanks Xpuser that seems to be the way forward. I would like to know if DEP was in a recent update for my Dad's PC, that would explain it croping up now. -He doesn't go on the net much and we're behind a router so we are reasonably secure - I think??

I've been trying to get a grip on the DEP crab ever since M$ rolled it out with SP2. I still couldn't figure out what it really is and how it works. Maybe no one in Redmond knows.

If you're running software FW, and you router NAT, and you haven't and will not venture off to the God-forbidden websites, I think you will be safe relatively speaking. You should keep your eyes on how Windows perform once you have taken down DEP protection for Windows Explorer.

I never had a need to take similar action so I don't even know if WFP (Windows File Protection) will override it without notifying you because Windows Explorer is one of WFP-guarded orphan.
i_XpUser

thanks XpUser.

windows explorer = file browser with web browsing capabilities (close relative to internet explorer)

Today's subliminal thought is: 'Calm down ... it's only ones and zeros.'

Dave,

Sorry I dropped the ball on the windows explorer / internet Explorer thing earlier. I guess my eyes are just playing tricks on me.

Anyway, if you decide to add windows explorer to the DEP exception list, whatever malicious software DEP is currently blocking will be allowed to run. This could put your computer in a worse situation than it is in now.

You may want to download the FREE 30 day trial of NOD32. It is the best, in my opinion, virus and malicious software scanner on the market.

Post a copy of your boot.ini file. You may have to modify it if your machine doesn't support DEP.

If you have trouble with sp2 after installing boot to the safe mode and go to the boot.ini file in C: drive, Open properties and uncheck the read only box. Then open the file with notepad. Look for
/noexecute=optin. Change it to /noexecute=AlwaysOff.
This has worked for me as drwtsn.exe file has stopped the loading at the desktop

Based on SE's explantion (post 14) I would think twice about adding Windows Explorer to DEP exception list. Further mattie made a good point. It is a fact that Windows Explorer and Internet Explorer are interwined. You should be very careful!

i_XpUser