From MozillaZine Knowledge Base

Background

Starting with Firefox 3, the Windows security settings for downloading applications and other potentially unsafe files from the Internet are honored on files downloaded by the Download Manager. This allows, for instance, system administrators to block executable files from being downloaded by Firefox. This preference allows Firefox to ignore those OS-wide security checks.

Starting with Firefox 3.6, this preference is no longer used.

Possible values and their effects

True

Do not use Windows’ IAttachmentExecute interface when downloading files, ignoring the security settings for downloads.

False

Use IAttachmentExecute when available (Windows XP SP1 and newer). (Default)

First checked in

2008-10-11 by Jim Mathies

Has an effect in

• Firefox (nightly builds since 2008-10-11; 3.0.6 and above)
• No longer used in Firefox 3.6 (removed 2009-08-11 by Jim Mathies)

Related bugs

• Bug 445158 - Consider providing a pref that allows users to avoid check for "Launching Applications and Unsafe Files" Internet option
• Bug 504804 - prefs cleanup and smarter integration with win policy settings

Related preferences

• browser.download.manager.scanWhenDone

See also

• Unable to save or download files

External links

• Ask the Performance Team - Managing the "Launching Applications and Unsafe Files" Setting