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Addressing Annoying Security Prompts with Network Shares

Have you encountered a frustrating popup message when right-clicking files on a mapped network share in Windows? Furthermore, does another prompt appear when attempting to drag and drop files from these shares, asking if you want to move or copy them? This article explains the cause and provides a solution.

The Core Issue

When interacting with files on a mapped share, such as a zip file, you might receive a message stating, "This page has an unspecified potential security risk. Would you like to continue?" This occurs even when not using Internet Explorer. Additionally, attempting to copy or move files from the folder can trigger the prompt: "Do you want to move or copy files from this zone?"

This behavior is particularly irritating due to its frequent appearance and unexpected nature.

Understanding the Root Cause

The error arises because Windows fails to correctly identify your local network, mistakenly assuming a potential security threat. This relates to the "Security Zones" concept found within Internet Explorer's settings.

To safeguard against malicious websites or applications exploiting UNC paths to execute applications, Windows flags UNC paths (like \\computername\sharename) as potentially unsafe if they aren't recognized as part of your local network. This security measure, while protective, can be disruptive.

The solution involves manually adding the computer name of the mapped drive to an exception list.

Resolving the Problem: Configuring Internet Options

Access Internet Options either through the Tools menu in Internet Explorer, or via the Control Panel. Navigate to the Security tab, then select the "Local intranet" icon. Finally, click the "Sites" button.

If you map drives to only a limited number of machines, utilize the "Advanced" button to add each machine name in the following format:

file://computername

For example, if your file server is named "superfast," enter "file://superfast" and click the "Add" button. Remember to confirm your entry by clicking "Add".

Alternatively, if you have numerous machines on your network, you can uncheck "Automatically detect intranet network" and check the remaining three boxes. However, this approach, while convenient, is less secure than manually entering each machine name.

Important Considerations

Note: This method is ineffective when using an IP address to map drives. You must utilize the computer name for the exception to function correctly.

While it's technically possible to disable security prompts entirely using the "Custom Level" button, this creates a security vulnerability and is therefore not recommended.

Verification and Expected Results

After adding the exception, right-clicking on files should no longer produce the security prompt.

You should also be able to copy and interact with the network share without encountering further interruptions.

This solution is also applicable to Windows 7 systems.