How to Unblock Files Downloaded from the Web

Yesterday, I downloaded an msi installer (sandcastle.msi) from the web, but when I double-clicked it, got a strange error message:

Windows cannot access the specified device, path, or file. You may not have the appropriate permissions to access the item.

 
That is a verbose error message, but how to fix it?

To run the file, opened a command line and entered
msiexec /i sandcastle.msi
… and it worked.

That was great so far, but what is the reason for popping those messages?

It turned out that the Windows blocks the file as it was downloaded from the web.
In the file properties, message regarding the Security is shown:

This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer.

Let’s see a few workarounds for this issue!

Solution #1 – Unblock the File

In the Windows Explorer, right-click the file and select Properties
Check whether you can see the
This file came from another computer and might be blocked to help protect this computer

Click the Unblock  button.

The drawback is that you need to do it for each of the files already downloaded.

Solution #2 – Use Group Policy Editor – Do not preserve zone information in file attachments

To Set the value, follow the steps below:

1. Click on Start ->Run
2. Type gpedit.msc to open the Group Policy Editor.
3. Open the User Configuration > Administrative Templates > Windows Components > Attachment Manager node.
4. Double-click the Do Not preserve zone information in file attachments setting.>/li>
5. Set the value to Enabled.
6. Close the Group Policy Editor
7. Log off the current user and re log-in to apply the settings.

As an alternative option, you can refresh the group policy by entering gpupdate/force to the command line.

Here are some of the resources/tools/documentation I found to perform it flawlessly.

How Domain Rename Works

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/library/cc738208(WS.10).aspx

Download link for Domain Rename Tools

http://technet.microsoft.com/en-us/windowsserver/bb405948.aspx

Step by Step Guide to Implementing Domain Rename

http://download.microsoft.com/download/c/f/c/cfcbff04-97ca-4fca-9e8c-3a9c90a2a2e2/domain-rename-procedure.doc

As our AD is pretty simple, after some research, it turned out that there are
actually fewer steps to perform. I found a nice, simple step-by step description
of it:

Active Directory Domain Rename – Not Difficult At All

http://techrepublic.com.com/5208-6230-0.html?forumID=102&threadID=229757&start=0

My Conclusion

All the operations that might require Active Directory changes need careful
planning, but once planned, it is pretty straightforward to execute.

Creating a virtual environment and test the changes before applying it to
production systems is essential.

Let me share some of my experience…

Preparing the Exam

I passed the foundation exam (70-536) in August and took me one and a half month to prepare for this one.

I set as primary goal to learn and apply it, not just pass the exam. So I used both the official preparation guide and a few good books to cover some of the aspects the training kit did not cover well enough, as follows:

• MCTS Self-Paced Training Kit (Exam 70-562): Microsoft .NET Framework 3.5
  ASP.NET Application Developmeent
• Pro ASP.NET 3.5 in C#
• Pro LINQ: Language Integrated Query in C# 2008
• Pro ASP.NET 3.5 Server Controls and AJAX Components

For the training kit, I took the approach of reading through the different chapters of the book, doing the labs and then taking the practice tests.

Taking the Exam

 The required score to pass is 700/1000. There is only the pass or fail grade as the end result; beyond that the actual score you get does not have any importance.
During the exam, I took the approach of getting through the full set of questions once, and then going back for review each of them.
One thing you have to consider is that there is a slight delay between the questions (in order of 4-8 seconds). In other words, you need to consider these as well when setting up your time for review.

My Points and Suggestions

1. Take the training kit as a guide only. You can get a deeper knowledge by practicing and reading the details on the documentation (MSDN).
2. During the exam, there are questions that can be found only in books other than the prep guide. Good guessing is the key for these. For example, the mobile section needs further reading.