Updated: 12 November 2004

Windows XP Service Pack 2 issues

Description of the Problem

When starting Raster 2003 or earlier versions, users may be prevented from running the Raster Program. A yellow "Information Bar" will appear between the toolbar and the content window in Internet Explorer. It will read "To help protect your security, Internet Explorer has restricted this files from showing active content that could access your computer. Click here for options..."
You will be unable to click on any of the menu options.

Screenshot of startup screen under Windows XP SP2

Cause of the Problem

The Raster program copies a number of HTML files to your local drive, which are accessed when you start the program. Some of these HTML files contain Javscript code to perform some basic functions eg. to check that the browser is Internet Explorer.

Windows XP Service Pack 2 includes improvements to Internet Explorer security, that prevent local web pages (ie. pages stored on your computer) from running when they contain active content. This active content includes Javascript, Java applets and ActiveX controls. XP SP2 also includes a number of other add-ons that restrict pop-windows and downloading of files in Internet Explorer.

A full list of browser changes implemented in Windows XP SP2 can be found on the Microsoft website.

Fixes for the problem

Option 1: Users can opt to "allow blocked content" by clicking on the yellow information bar, and selecting "Allow Blocked Content".

You will then be prompted with a dialog box, asking you whether you wish to let this file run active content. The active content in Raster (Javascript), will not harm your computer - you should select Yes to allow the file to run.

Unfortunately this will only enable active content for the current Explorer window. You will need to repeat the above process for subsequent windows that you open (eg. Raster Viewer window).

Screenshot of allow blocked content Windows XP SP2

Screenshot of security window dialog box Windows XP SP2

Option 2: Turn off the active content check in your browser. From the Tools menu in Internet Explorer select Internet Options. Under the Advanced Tab place a tick next to the box titled "Allow active content to run in files on My Computer".

Screenshot of allow active content in IE6

Please note that this may allow malicious active content in files on your local computer to cause problems so you should only do this if you feel confident in your computer's security measures (ie. you should have an up to date virus scanner and firewall). You may wish to uncheck this box when you have finished running Raster, to prevent malicious active content from running when not using Raster. If you opt to leave this box checked (and therefore allow active content to run for local files), then it is recommended that you check that your antivirus program will block malicious content from running locally.