Unlock case issue - security warning
Solved
little boy62 Posted messages 4393 Registration date Status Membre Last intervention -
Hello / Good evening.
My issue is only related to one of my hard drives, which is exfat.
On another one, also exfat, I don't have this issue.
Anyway, let's move on to the main topic.
On this infamous hard drive (an external SSD for more precision), every file gives me a security warning.
So I have the famous "unblock" checkbox when I do: right-click > properties.
I downloaded Captvty to test: same, security warning.
And so:
- I do a right-click > properties.
- I check the "Unblock" box and click apply.
Error message, file "supposedly" not found.
So I click ignore all and then OK
I restart the executable: same issue
As you can see, even after ignoring this error message, I am still at the same point.
To remind you:
- It happens to me on all files, whether executable, zip file, etc.
- This issue is only on one of my external SSDs, in exfat.
- I do not have this issue on my other devices, SSD or HDD.
I can still accept the security warning, and the concerned file launches without any issue afterwards.
I would just like to know why, while before, I ran these files without any issues, I now find myself with a warning and an unblock checkbox that doesn't unblock anything (for now).
And also, to find a solution, without formatting / without data loss.
Thank you and see you soon.
As a wise person once told me: "in France, we have the right to do anything....
Just don't get caught."
3 réponses
Hello,
The problem you are describing seems to stem from the security features of Windows that flag files on removable external drives (especially those formatted as exFAT) as potentially dangerous, particularly when they are unsigned or come from unknown sources. This triggers the warning "Opening File - Security Warning." The "Unblock" checkbox appears in the Properties due to the way Windows handles file metadata, but since exFAT does not support alternative data streams (where blocking information is typically stored), the attempt to unblock fails with an "unable to find file" error message — it tries to remove non-existent metadata.
I don't claim to be able to fix this issue, but you can try these manipulations.
Add the drive to trusted locations (recommended first step, as it's targeted and reversible):
Open the Control Panel (search for it in the Start menu).
Go to "Internet Options" (or search for "Internet Options").
Switch to the "Security" tab.
Select "Local intranet" > Click on "Sites" > "Advanced".
Add the drive letter as a site (e.g., file://H: if it’s H:). Click "Add" > "Close" > "OK".
Apply the changes and restart your PC. This tells Windows to treat files on this drive as local and trusted, bypassing the warning.
Use PowerShell to attempt a bulk unblock (handles files recursively, may bypass GUI error):
Open PowerShell as administrator (right-click on Start > Windows PowerShell (Admin) or Terminal (Admin)).
Run: Get-ChildItem -Path "H:\" -Recurse | Unblock-File (replace H: with your drive letter).
This processes all files/folders. If there are errors on some (due to exFAT limitations), ignore them and test if the warning persists.
Modify the registry to prevent attaching zone information (applies to future files but may reset behavior):
Press Win + R, type regedit, and press Enter.
Navigate to: HKEY_CURRENT_USER\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments.
If the "Attachments" key does not exist, right-click on "Policies" > New > Key > Name it "Attachments".
Right-click in the right pane > New > DWORD (32-bit) Value > Name it SaveZoneInformation.
Double-click on it and set the value data to 1.
Close the Registry Editor and restart your PC.
Hello,
If you no longer want Windows to check for file signatures, run this .reg file to disable this warning.
Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Internet Explorer\Download]
"CheckExeSignatures"="no"
"RunInvalidSignatures"=dword:00000001
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments]
"SaveZoneInformation"=dword:00000000
[HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Associations]
"LowRiskFileTypes"=".iso;.zip;.rar;.nfo;.txt;.exe;.bat;.com;.cmd;.reg;.msi;.htm;.html;.gif;.bmp;.jpg;.avi;.mpg;.mpeg;.mov;.mp3;.m3u;.wav;"
A BIG THANK YOU :D
Your help has helped me solve this issue.
<3