Block Unwanted System Changes

Alert/Prompt Window

Overview of Block Unwanted System Changes window

When enabled, alert windows display for Startup Guard and Browser Guard.

An alert is generated when a program or function attempts to make a change. The alert prompts you for a decision on whether or not to allow the change.

Block or Allow Change

The alert window offers the following functions:

• Allow once. Allow this change once; you will be prompted for later attempts from this source.

• Allow always. Always allow this change; you will not be prompted for later attempts from this source.

• Block once. Block this change once; you will be prompted for later attempts from this source.

• Block always. Always block this change; you will not be prompted for later attempts from this source.

View Details

Click Show details to read information about the program or source that is attempting the change. The following displays for each alert type:

Startup Guard Alert

• Startup Program. The program attempting to add itself to Startup.

• IntelliDefense Category. The IntelliDefense category of the program attempting to add itself to Startup. Categories are: System, Necessary, Optional, Dangerous, and Unknown. More on IntelliDefense.

  iolo maintains a regularly updated database of information about thousands of programs and program components. IntelliDefense uses this database and its threat-evaluation process to determine a classification for the program:

  • System. Core components of the Windows operating system. Example:

    Msiexec.exe is "System". This file is part of the Windows operating system and is used for processing Windows Installer packages.

  • Necessary. Installed, safe applications that perform core functionality. Example:

    Windows Explorer is "Necessary". This application (explorer.exe) is part of Windows operating systems. It displays a hierarchical view of the drives, folders, and files on your computer.

  • Optional. Installed, safe applications (or components of such applications) that may be desired but are not required to perform core functionality. Example:

    Windows Media Player is "Optional". This application (wmplayer.exe) is a safe program that allows you to play audio files, but it does not perform a core function that is fundamental to the computer's operation.

  • Dangerous. Viruses and other software that has been identified as malicious and dangerous by iolo's research team.

  • Unknown. Programs and components that are not in the IntelliDefense database.

• Program Making Change. The location and program on your computer that is involved in the attempted change.

Browser Guard Alert

• New Home Page. The address of the Web site attempting to change the Home or Search page.

• Program Making Change. The location and program on your computer that is involved in the attempted change.

Related tasks:

• System Guard will automatically respond with a default action if you do not respond within a certain period of time. To control the default action and the amount of time alerts display, see the "Automatic Timeout Response" section on the Configure System Guard tab.