The Keep Program Policy? prompt window displays when a program attempting access has been modified and it has an associated program policy with the "Prompt me if this program is modified" check box selected.
When a program has revised program characteristics (such as a signature or version information), the Keep Program Policy? window lets you decide whether you want to use the same program policy for the modified program. The window also provides program information to help you make a decision.
I want to stop seeing the Keep Program Policy? prompt:
From the Program Policies pane, click Manage policies to open the Manage Program Policies window.
For the applicable program policy, clear the Prompt me if this program is modified check box.
Click one of the following:
Click Keep Permissions to update the program policy with the new program characteristics. Click this option if you trust that the revision is valid (for instance, you installed an upgrade from the program's vendor) and want to use the same program policy for the modified program.
The firewall will then follow the actions you set in the policy (block, prompt, or allow).
Click Discard Permissions to delete the existing program policy. Click this option if you do not trust the revision (for instance, you suspect it is malicious software attempting to mimic a legitimate program) and do not want to use the existing program policy for it.
The firewall will then behave as it does for programs without a program policy. (See Program Controls – Overview for a description of the flow of program controls.)
Note: You can take the
time you need to make your decision. If the window starts to fade (an
indication that it's idle), click on the window or place your mouse over
the window so that it remains active until you make your choice. More information about idle prompts:
If the prompt window is idle (meaning, you have not clicked on or moved your mouse/pointing device on the window), it will start to fade.
If the window has been idle for 15 seconds, the firewall will respond using the default program permission, which is to keep permissions.
On the General tab of the Options window, you can change the default action to "discard permissions".
Click any of the following:
Click on the program name at the top of the prompt. A Windows Properties window that displays various file attributes will open.
Click Show details to show information about the program and its policy. The following displays:
Program Name. The location and name of the program.
IntelliDefense Category. The IntelliDefense category and description of the program. (More on IntelliDefense.)
Current Internet Zone Permissions. The permissions for incoming and outgoing access for Internet Zone communications. Either Allow, Block, or Prompt displays.
Current Trusted Zone Permissions. The permissions for incoming and outgoing access for Trusted Zone communications. Either Allow, Block, or Prompt displays.
Related topics:
Basic Steps for Using the Firewall