Internet Explorer Security

Control Popups and Spyware

How to use Trusted Sites and Restricted Sites

Each of the listed security zones (Internet, Local intranet, Trusted sites, and Restricted sites) can be configured to either a Custom Level or Default Level.

Internet - Set to Default Level (Medium). To do this, make sure Internet is highlighted, then click the Default button. The resulting slide bar should indicate the security zone is set to Medium. If not, slide the bar until it reflects Medium. This provides the best compromise between security and browsing comfort. However, this setting will not suppress pop-ups, but it will suppress active scripting and ActiveX controls that are deemed unsafe and/or are not accompanied by the appropriate signed certification. This is the role of the Restricted Sites zone.

After setting the Internet zone to medium security, browse the Internet as normal for a few days and pay particular attention to the behavior of sites you visit frequently. As you encounter sites that employ intrusive pop-ups or have other undesireable active content, make a note of those sites. Copy and paste the URL of these sites into a Notepad text file and save it to your desktop. This will serve as the list of sites to be added to the Restricted Sites zone. Do the same for frequently visited sites which may no longer function as desired due to the more restricted Medium settings. Create a separate Notepad text file of sites that are destined for the Trusted Sites zone.

Now that you have compiled lists of Restricted and Trusted sites, configure the zones for each of these:

Trusted Sites - Highlight Trusted Sites and select the Default Level, ensuring the slide bar is set to Low. Conversely, you can customize the settings by choosing Custom Level and making the desired selections.

Restricted Sites - Highlight Restricted Sites and select the Default Level, ensuring the slide bar is set to High. Conversely, you can customize the settings by choosing Custom Level and making the desired selections. To ensure maximum safety and suppression of pop-ups, all active scripting should be disabled for the Restricted Sites zone.

To add sites to either of these zones, simply ensure you have highlighted the desired zone, then click the Sites button. In the ensuing dialog box, type in the desired site's URL and click Add. To remove a site from the list, simply highlight it and choose Remove.

It is a good idea to periodically check the zone settings. If you find a site added to the Restricted Sites zone is not functioning as desired, remove it from that zone and it will automatically revert to the Medium settings of the Internet zone.