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Tech-Recipes: XP SP2: How to Turn Off the Data Execution Prevention feature (DEP) | Windows | Tech-Recipes

  • Anonymous · 5 years ago
    To disable DEP by modifying the Boot.ini file, change the /noexecute policy level to alwaysoff.

    /NoExecute=AlwaysOff
  • violatorxxx · 5 years ago
    If you want to disable it global, edit boot.ini and change noexecute to execute.

    [boot loader]
    timeout=0
    default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS
    [operating systems]
    multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /noguiboot /execute=optin
  • ron · 1 year ago
    dude when i tried that my comp but comp keeps restarting wont even boot.omg! what have i done? T___T
    help anyone?
  • ZeBolt · 1 year ago
    you just added /noguiboot to your system boot command, congratz.
  • testssae · 5 months ago
    DO NOT DO THIS. really people, lol.
  • bhaweshgohil · 5 months ago
    No.... not at all .... all this long procedure....
    SIMPLY do this...
    go to run>msconfig>enter>services>unchecked "error reporting">apply>OK>reboot.
    that's all.... i do this trick in my compaq prasiario cq40 note book.
    i came out from this... really..
  • Tony Hawk · 1 month ago
    you do realize your killing people's computers, right?
  • Michael Jennings · 5 years ago
    See this Microsoft article about the limitations of DEP:

    http://www.microsoft.com/technet/prodtechnol/wi...

    Not all of it works on all processors, for example.

    See this enigmatic sentence:

    "By default, software-enforced DEP only protects limited system binaries, regardless of the hardware-enforced DEP capabilities of the processor."

    What are "limited system binaries"?
  • Anonymous · 5 years ago
    These are some new/updated system files that come with SP2...so it just watches some MS files for errors *goodluck* ;)
  • Jodiuh · 5 years ago
    <ul id="quote"><h6>webworm99 wrote:</h6>To disable DEP by modifying the Boot.ini file, change the /noexecute policy level to alwaysoff.

    /NoExecute=AlwaysOff</ul>

    My pc would crash randomly while playing UT or looping one of the 3dmarks before this. I was getting so frustrated, so I tried this on a whim and left 3dmark 03 on all night. What a joy when I was startled out of bed by the sound benchmarks at the end ;-) It ran for over 10 hrs and I'll be testing UT soon. Thanks webworm99!!!!

    Jod ;-)
  • Rytis · 6 months ago
    Thank You.

    It was verry usefull message for me. I had problem and solved this way.
    Thanks!

    Rytis Umbrasas
    Lithuania
  • Guest · 5 years ago
    I dragged 2 x JPGs from a CD to the "My Pictures" folder. I immediately got a DEP error which forced Explorer to close.
    (Perhaps foolishly) I got the JPGs into the folder by opening them and used "save as" to put them into "My Pictures".
    Now - whenever I try to open the "My Pictures" folder - DEP stops Windows Explorer and causes it to close. But note I can still access other folders without problem.
    I've now deleted both JPGs (I had to use 'Search' to get access to the files). I deleted them from the recycle bin too. But I still get the DEP when I try to access "My Pictures".
    What can I do to fix?
    I am reluctant to disable DEP on Windows Explorer. What are the dangers?

    Background: I recently installed SP2. The "My Pictures" folder is large (1430 files and 1 x sub folder). I used AVG to scan the folder before I deleted the offending JPGs (no eror reported). I am running XPs firewall as installed at SP2 upgrade time.

    I have an option to use restore and go back 3 days - but I'd prefer to avoid this if possible.

    Any help/suggestions would be appreciated.
    Thanks.
    John
  • Anonymous · 5 years ago
    See my post above & try disabling dep. Reboot.
  • Guest · 5 years ago
    Thanks webworm.

    I noticed your suggestion to disable dep. But as I said - I'm reluctant to do this (even for Explorer only) as I'd loose the benefits of dep.

    If someone could assure me that loosing dep is not a big loss I'd feel better about the idea. (Better still - explain where the problem is and what is the fix?).
  • Anonymous · 5 years ago
    <ul id="quote"><h6>Guest wrote:</h6>Thanks webworm.
    If someone could assure me that loosing dep is not a big loss I'd feel better about the idea. (Better still - explain where the problem is and what is the fix?).</ul>

    I could not assure that this is the problem. However, Since you have xp sp2. Here are something you could try. You can always go back.

    Update your graphics driver (From the manufacture website not windows update.)or roll-back to the original driver you had. If you go back to the original driver, when using windows update and if it detects the graphics cards needs updating. Just hide that update.

    Some virus protection programs can cause this as well.

    Right Click on my computer, Advanced tab, Performances setting , Data execution prevention tab. Turn on dep for all program and services except those I select.

    You might make a system restore point before trying any of these tips.
  • Anonymous · 5 years ago
    Spent two hours last night trying to work out why the hell my friends printer decided to stop working since he installed XP Pro on a new hard drive on a new PC (64bit Athlon).

    It was a HP5552 using the latest "basic" driver from hp.com, but it would not print from Windows, not even a test page. We could copy raw text to LPT1: using a command prompt just fine, but no printing from the GUI.

    After checking absolutely everything, I thought to check DEP to see if it was turned on - it was - his CPU supports DEP and it was fully on. Altered it to the basic setting, rebooted and voila - printer test pages suddenly started working again. 8O

    I'm seriously going off Windows. :(
  • Skippy · 2 months ago
    Do you realize what you've just lost? This is supported at the processor level and you WANT it.

    Data Execution Protection (or the No Execute aka NX bit) is there to prevent applications from modifying memory that has executable code in it. A relatively easy attack is to find a buffer overrun in some string handler in a commonly installed application, like an HP or Epson printer driver, Flash, etc. If I can figure out in a debugger that their app is actually modifying its source code in some way, then I can just manipulate the inputs to get it modify its executable code in such a way that it will point at my input value, which is actually the source for an exploit. If DEP/NX it turned on, then applictions are prevented from modifying the memory allocated for code and thus this class of exploit is not prevented on the machine.

    Oh, there is no mechanism to disable DEP for a 64-bit process, which is almost every built-in app in Windows on a 64-bit version of XP, Vista, or Win7. WMP, IE, and a couple others actually run 32-bit versions by default for compatibility reasons.
  • Anonymous · 5 years ago
    If i try to write NoExecute=AlwaysOff in the boot.ini file, and tryes to save, it says that it cannot create file...
  • Anonymous · 5 years ago
    Hey, i dont know if im posting this in the right place, but i thought its worth a try anyway! Ive recently bought a new computer (i usually get a friend to build one for me.. but this time i found a package from evesham i coudln't resist).. but anyway.. as its been bought rather than built its come with a proper legal copy of XP. lol

    Im having trouble installing all my programs now (most of which are various design packages bought for around £1 in Malaysia.. i think you get what im saying here...).
    I keep getting "C:windowssystem32autoexec.nt. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and microsoft windows applications. ChooseClose to terminate the application." (the ignore button does nothing)
    i know these programs all work perfectly as i have used them previously on both copies of XP and win2K.

    I dont know if its something im doing wrong... or theres a box somewhere i need to check, or if its something more indepth! Im not so good with this stuff haha
    if anyone has any suggestions id be really grateful cos ive got a super dooper computer i cant actually use at the moment!
    Thanks!
  • Guest · 5 years ago
    to write and save to the boot.ini file you first have to right-click, go to properties and uncheck read-only
  • saravn · 5 years ago
    Doesn't the Optin policy in DEP provide a list to include executables that should be protected?
  • Anonymous · 4 years ago
    im getting this error too :(
  • Guest · 4 years ago
    <ul id="quote"><h6>webworm99 wrote:</h6>To disable DEP by modifying the Boot.ini file, change the /noexecute policy level to alwaysoff.

    /NoExecute=AlwaysOff</ul>

    What's the difference between noexecute and alwaysoff ??
  • Guest · 4 years ago
    <ul id="quote"><h6>Anonymous wrote:</h6>Spent two hours last night trying to work out why the hell my friends printer decided to stop working since he installed XP Pro on a new hard drive on a new PC (64bit Athlon).

    It was a HP5552 using the latest "basic" driver from hp.com, but it would not print from Windows, not even a test page. We could copy raw text to LPT1: using a command prompt just fine, but no printing from the GUI.

    After checking absolutely everything, I thought to check DEP to see if it was turned on - it was - his CPU supports DEP and it was fully on. Altered it to the basic setting, rebooted and voila - printer test pages suddenly started working again. 8O

    I'm seriously going off Windows. :(</ul> I've recently run into a similar situation. DEP errors were hitting me left and right; mostly inside windows explorer. Changing the radio butten (inside system properties-DEP) allows you to exclude DEP for an app (in this case windows explorer), but prevents you from printing to an HP printer (in my case the psc 1210xi). Right now my choices are to either live with the DEPs in windows explorer, OR be able use my printer.

    Short of disabling DEP for everything, are there any other options? If not, how do I disable DEP?
  • davak · 4 years ago
    If you can't disable DEP for the printer driver, the only other option is to disable it completely.

    Searching for your printer on google, I can't find anybody else having this sort of problem...

    Try to disable DEP completely as previously described in this thread, and see if that helps.
  • Anonymous · 4 years ago
    <ul id="quote"><h6>violatorxxx wrote:</h6>If you want to disable it global, edit boot.ini and change noexecute to execute.

    [boot loader]
    timeout=0
    default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS
    [operating systems]
    multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /noguiboot /execute=optin</ul>


    how to chane it
    will any one give a detail about that
  • Anonymous · 4 years ago
    1. Open Windows Explorer
    2. Tools > Folder Options > View
    3. Uncheck "Hide Protected operating system files (Recommended)" and "Hide extensions for knows file types"
    4. Click apply, and OK
    5. Go to c:
    6. Right click on boot.ini, select properties and ensure the "read-only" tab is unchecked and click OK
    7. Double-Click boot.ini
    8. Modify /noexecute= for example /noexecute=AlwaysOff to disasble completely
    9. File > Save As
    10. Filename: "boot.ini" (with the quotes) Save As Type:All Files Encoding: Ansi
    11. After Saving, close file.
    12. Right click on boot.ini, select properties and ensure the "read-only" tab is checked and click OK
    13. Reboot
  • Frustrated with Microsoft! · 4 months ago
    I had problems with running the program Anonymizer, each browser I used along with it was shut down by the DEP, tried adding the exception with no luck. Till I followed these instruction by Anonymous... rebooted, ran Anonymizer and the browers and it worked perfectly! Thank you very much.
    BTW why does windows screw up with DEP being so incompatible with so MANY programs. Before launching new programs like Vista, FIRST make sure previous Windows versions are working smoothly, thats what you rake in the millions for so do your JOBS properly. We should not have to search sites like these to FIX there mistakes.
  • Anonymous · 4 years ago
    Ooops.
    Step 10.5 Would be to click yes to Replace the existing file.
    :roll:
  • Anonymous · 4 years ago
    Also, try adding the following:
    (Save the following as a filename.reg file if you are unfamiliar with navigating the registry. Double-click and import). I have found that some software seems to interfere with explorer.exe causing it to crash at launch (and loop).
    With the default settings however, DEP should be including explorer.exe in the "Turn on DEP for essential Windows Programs and Services only" but for some reason this fails. Adding the following apples to this default setting, but will also show explorer.exe in the exception list if you select it. See if any newly installed programs are trying to launch a taskbar item, as this is one common thread I have seen in affected machines.
    _________________________________________________________


    <font color="darkblue">Windows Registry Editor Version 5.00

    [HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINESOFTWAREMicrosoftWindows NTCurrentVersionAppCompatFlagsLayers]
    "c:\windows\explorer.exe"="DisableNXShowUI"</font>



    _________________________________________________________
  • jasdawn5 · 4 years ago
    I am having major issues with DEP! When I try to open a folder that has avi files in it, as soon as I single click on a file the DEP is activated and it closes the window! What can I do?
  • jfosdick · 4 years ago
    I have been unable to close the Data Execution Prevention - Microsoft Windows display that states "To help proptect your computer, Windows has closed this program. Name: Generic Host Process for Win 32 Services, Publisher: Microsoft Corporation, with a radio button "Close Message".

    When I click on "Close Message" the Microsoft Error Reporting Window appears and no matter whether I click on "Send Error Report" or "Don't Send" and close this window, then the DEP window appears again. And the DEP window does not stay in the background but remains in the foreground and I have to move it almost entirely off the desktop to be able to view whatever I am working on.

    I was on the phone with Microsoft Help Support for over 3 hours yesterday while the technical person had me go through a series of different scenarios including going back to a previous sytsem restore (3 different days); changing the boot.ini as described in some of the previous comments; removing the Microsoft security updates installed on 06/15/05, and changing the start up process in msconfig from selective start up to normal. It seemed that when I changed to the normal start up selection that the DEP window wasn't going to reappear so I ended the call with the Microsoft technical person and then low and behold about a half hour later the DEP window reappeared.

    The DEP problem occurred I believe after the 06/15/05 security update and I it only appeared after I shut down my computer on the morning of the 17th of June and brought it back up again that evening. I even went back to an earlier restore before calling Microsoft but that didn't get rid of it either.

    I was wondering if anyone else encountered this problem; and if so, how to go about fixing it.
  • Anonymous · 4 years ago
    which security update in particular was suspected to be causing a problem?
  • Anonymous · 4 years ago
    I have this DEP message coming out all the time when i want to go to the Control panel, I simply could not switch off or access the System function, i have also switched off some of the programmes that DEP has function on and now it seems it always turned off any function in the Control Panel, what can I do? I want to return the new Computer I bought, all the softwares I used before on other computers had no problem at all, but could not run in this new computer.

    the Comptuer manufacturer told me (HP) to re-run operating system, completely reinstall and re-run recovery CD, but I suspect that this DEP will come out again because it seems so sensitive to my softwares.
  • Anonymous · 4 years ago
    please HELP! i cant change my theme on xp, it is stuck on classic style, every time i try and change it to windows xp, it says, cant run ddp with app, ive tried that thing were you go to system and advance, then add program and so on, but u cabt add ur propertis, i downloaded style xp n it worked fine, then it messed up, so ive delted all xp, virus checked and its fine but i cant get off classic style, n e ideas.

    cheers
  • helpless girl · 4 years ago
    Help me please. The DEP program doesnt even let me acess control panel so I couldnt turn DEP off. Any tips anyone? please? :(
  • Youssef · 4 years ago
    You have to change the properties of the boot.ini file to read to that it is not "Read-Only." Rightclick on the file-->Properties-->Uncheck "Read-Only."
  • Anonymous · 3 years ago
    I am running Win2003 Standarded SP1.

    I went through this post and applied all.
    Even when DEP is disabled with (/NoExecute=AlwaysOff), reboot and verifying from system properties that it is disabled. I still cannot install most of the software like MS office 2003, Office Xp, Postgre Sql,etc. Installing wizard turn off after few initial screens.

    Any suggestion/help would be appericiated.
  • davak · 3 years ago
    <ul id="quote"><h6>zyno wrote:</h6>I am running Win2003 Standarded SP1.

    I went through this post and applied all.
    Even when DEP is disabled with (/NoExecute=AlwaysOff), reboot and verifying from system properties that it is disabled. I still cannot install most of the software like MS office 2003, Office Xp, Postgre Sql,etc. Installing wizard turn off after few initial screens.

    Any suggestion/help would be appericiated.</ul>

    Win 2003? You talking about win server?

    This recipe is for XP, and I don't think DEP was enabled until SP2.
  • Anonymous · 3 years ago
    Sorry for not making it clear. I am working with windows2003 Server SP1 and not XP.
  • Anonymous · 3 years ago
    <ul id="quote"><h6>violatorxxx wrote:</h6>If you want to disable it global, edit boot.ini and change noexecute to execute.

    [boot loader]
    timeout=0
    default=multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS
    [operating systems]
    multi(0)disk(0)rdisk(0)partition(1)WINDOWS="Microsoft Windows XP Professional" /fastdetect /noguiboot /execute=optin</ul>


    THIS IS the way to disable DEP!
    I was so impressed by this code and what it did I had to come back to this site and thank you for posting this code for the boot.ini
    WHAT A PAIN DEP IS!
    I called Microsoft and they could NOT help me!
    One thing to plug-in the code on my drive I had to remove my drive C: and stick it in another computer and boot up to another drive. Once you do that you can plug-in the new code and save it.
    If you know a eaiser way to do that let me know but I am impressed!
    Thank You for now I can do what I want on my own computer without DEP locking me out of any of my files.
    Yes, it is completely shut off and thats GREAT!
    Thanks again
    Rocko
  • Anonymous · 3 years ago
    <ul id="quote"><h6>Anonymous wrote:</h6>

    I keep getting "C:windowssystem32autoexec.nt. The system file is not suitable for running MS-DOS and microsoft windows applications. ChooseClose to terminate the application." (the ignore button does nothing)
    i know these programs all work perfectly as i have used them previously on both copies of XP and win2K.

    I dont know if its something im doing wrong... or theres a box somewhere i need to check, or if its something more indepth! Im not so good with this stuff haha
    if anyone has any suggestions id be really grateful cos ive got a super dooper computer i cant actually use at the moment!
    Thanks!</ul>

    I ran across this at work with one of our computers and a website that needed an ActiveX controller installed. What I found was that this PC was missing the Autoexec.NT file altogether. I simply copied the autoexec.NT file from my PC and pasted it to my users and it worked find. You can also copy this file from the WinXP CD I believe it is in one of the CAB files and Microsoft has a something in their KnowledgeBase on how to extract files from CAB files.

    Hope this helps.
    -=Richard=-
  • Anonymous · 2 years ago
    currently i am using window vista, and i canot logged in to my msn due tp DEP.i tried to disable it like what guest had suggested
    but i cant open the boot.ini as it requires some kind of program to open it.
    is there are other ways to disable DEP or anyone could help me to solve it?
  • Anonymous · 1 year ago
    i tried everyway in this thread to do this and nothing worked. DEP is still on in my XP PRO
  • Anonymous · 1 year ago
    Data Execution Prevention has suddenly stopped me from using Windows DVD Maker at all, after DVD Maker has worked successfully for months. I followed the instructions above but it will not allow me to turn DEP off for DVD Maker. Does anyone know how to correct this? Thanks!
  • Anonymous · 1 year ago
    i'm turn off dep... with modifying boot.ini but this make my pc run slower...
  • rafael · 1 year ago
    it wont let me use winpwn for this program any help?
  • t dizzle · 1 year ago
    i tried doing that for one of my games BUT it said i cant turn off DEP for this file
  • hhendricks1@yahoo.com · 10 months ago
    How can this be done when this program prevents you from getting to your start menu, my computer wont even boot
  • Chaim · 10 months ago
    Hah-hah - DEP has rendered the opening of windows INCLUDING Control Panel - impossible. Oy - woss macht man dann!?! (any ideas, PLEASE - Dunno what made that click in!)
  • Taavi · 9 months ago
    Hey Chaim,

    I am having the same problem after I tried to install a suspect KeyGen.
    I want to install virus-scanner, to see if it could remove it. but i can't even install programs, DEP pops up again...
    U have the same issue?

    Have you tried using "Rocko"'s suggesion from 2 years ago? I'm too scared to do it myself.

    I'm considering formatting my hard drive and starting from scratch...
    if anyone has any ideas, please let email me (since I may not check this post): t.tillmann [at] ucl [dot] ac [dot] uk

    Thanks,

    Taavi
  • happysheep · 9 months ago
    Like most people here, I am having a problem. After some software tried to install itself on my computer, first I got a warning message from my spyware protector, then got the Data Execution message: boot acceptance application for registry.
    Now everytime I turn on the computer it goes into safe mode, and the warning message comes on again.
    Running XP Pro with 2006 Service Pack
    Any suggestions? I've just run CCleaner but no difference
  • HAREESH · 9 months ago
    To support this feature there also some HARDWARE REQUIREMENTS..the processor must support "execution protection"
  • logic · 9 months ago
    thanks
  • Elliot James Gehin · 8 months ago
    I can't turn off DEP for microsoft movie maker. Any1 know how?
  • Pamela · 8 months ago
    OPEN what!!??

    Can you please help. This thing is giving me a DEP error everytime the browser closes. Everytime. It's annoying as you-know-what. :o)

    Thanks. :o)
  • Dai · 8 months ago
    what if it says that it can't be turned off for that program then what do i do
  • neetu Sharma · 8 months ago
    my stem is not responding control panel-system folder .What can I do for turninig off DEP
  • fyza · 8 months ago
    i tried followed the instruction but there's a problem...
    i can't open control panel> system....
  • JerryW · 7 months ago
    If DEP has hung up execution without the START bar, you can get that going via Task Manager (ctrl-alt-delete). From Task Manager, select the Applications tab, then New Task. Browse to: Docs - All Users - Start Menu - Programs - Accessories - System Tools - Scheduled Tasks.lnk. With Scheduled Tasks.lnk showing in the Open field, click okay. The START bar will start, and you can follow the procedures described in earlier posts to kill off the dastardly DEP.

    Hint: make all hidden files visible so you can see boot.ini. If boot.ini is still not visible, open File Manager to the root directory, place the mouse immediately below the listed directories, where boot.ini would be visible if it was visible. Right click on that space and deselect the Read Only property for boot.ini. With the START bar available, you can use a text processor to edit boot.ini (you are using Notepad++, aren't you?)

    I was successful changing “/noexecute=optin” to “/execute=optin”. Deleting just 2 characters will isolate DEP, a fate it deserves. Don't forget to reset the Read Only property for boot.ini after it is saved.

    If ctrl-alt-delete does not start Task Manager, you can use some links on the DEP warning dialog to get the START bar going. Click Debug and Visual Studio will open for you. Ctrl-alt-delete might now start Task Manager. You can also get IE or Firefox going from the warning dialog by selecting More Information or something like that. With IE/Firefox running, Task Manager should be available.

    My thanks to the early posters whose notes helped me get going again with XP-P.
  • Daniel · 7 months ago
    hello, i'm using vista home premium, DEP keeps crashing internet explorer 8 whenever I start it, I added it to the list of programs I want it disabled for, then I restart, Internet explorer is still blocked by DEP and the settings for it have reset, this has happened 6 times!
  • JerryW · 7 months ago
    Sounds like you need to stop DEP from executing, done by editing boot.ini. My post above and earlier ones give instructions.
  • brian · 7 months ago
    I have tried the cure to no avail , everytime I want to print off the internet windows xp shuts down my canon LBP-1120. I have tried the canon patch but everytime I try to open CAPTRU utility (cap3ru). I get the message' It is of off the subject of this schedule.' I am going nuts?
    What is the solution????
  • JerryW · 7 months ago
    Which cure did you try:
    Cure 1: tell DEP to leave a particular program alone
    Cure 2: prevent DEP from running

    Are you sure you have a DEP problem? If you are, try the other cure.
  • brian · 7 months ago
    I tried cure 1 the exception nmethod, ok will have a go at stopping DEP completely
  • brian · 7 months ago
    Success, deleted the 'no' and hey presto my printer now works again , many thks
  • Rob · 7 months ago
    Help, I upgraded IE on XP SP3 and cant close webpages unless i use end task on Windows Task Manager. I have tried stopping DEP on IE but still will not allow me to close pages when on internet. Any ideas?

    Thanks,
  • JerryW · 7 months ago
    Throughout the list of comments, many people report that Cure 1 (see above) simply does not work for them. That leaves Cure 2. I had to go with Cure 2. As above, are you certain DEP is the source of your problem?
  • JerryW · 7 months ago
    PS - Why aren't you using Firefox?
  • R Ranjan · 7 months ago
    After doing these steps also I can not go further. This problem always occur when I try to follw link in banking.
  • angryCoder · 7 months ago
    When I try to do this for an openGL application, it says that DEP must run for this application. I am so mad!
  • Asif · 7 months ago
    how to enable turn off dep option in winxp...???
    plz help meeee...
  • Eela · 6 months ago
    I need help, please. I tried to disable DEP by trying to open the system in control panel, but the problem is, DEP won't allow me to open it, the same goes when I try to use the reboot.ini method and when I try to open 'Properties' by clicking on My Computer. DEP says 'To help protect your computer, Windows has closed this program. Name: Run a DLL as an APP, Publisher: Microsoft Corporation.' I can't even open Add or Remove Programs. What other ways can I do? I really hope someone can help me with this.
  • shelley · 6 months ago
    If you figure it out or someone helps let me know I am in the same boat...thanks
  • JerryW · 6 months ago
    Solutions to these problems are described further up the list. Do some reading.
  • aznpride3214 · 1 month ago
    when i try to do it for my borderlands game it says i must have it on for this program, this stops it from starting up. how can i disable DEP
  • shelley · 6 months ago
    if I cant get on the computer because it keeps shuting down how do I fix the problem? thanks
  • JerryW · 6 months ago
    It depends on when your computer is shutting down. Can you see the START bar? If so, follow the procedure I describe in my following post. Worst case might be reinstall of the operating system.
  • Grajgajgr · 6 months ago
    ....This isn't turning it off.. You're better just leaving it to the default which covers only system processes and services. Unless you feel like browsing for every last application you want to use without DEP and adding it to the list like this guy suggest.
  • JerryW · 6 months ago
    I suggest you do not attempt to use Add or Remove Programs to remove DEP. Use only Cure 1 or Cure 2 described earlier.

    If you cannot see the START bar, look back to my first post for approaches.

    If you can see the START bar, but cannot otherwise get going, try this:

    - Click on Start - Run, then enter “explorer.exe” in the Open field and click OK or hit Enter.
    - Using Windows Explorer, select My Computer and C:, then:
    - Select: Tools - Folder Options - View, then:
    - - select: Show hidden files and folders
    - - unselect: Hide protected operating system files
    - - click OK

    - Next, select the boot.ini file, Right Click, then click Properties and deselect Read-only, then click OK. Now you can edit the boot.ini file.

    - Click on Start - Run, then enter “notepad.exe boot.ini” in the Open field and click OK or hit Enter.
    - When the boot.ini file opens in Notepad, change “/noexecute=optin” to “/execute=optin” and Save.
    - Close Notepad and Restart your computer from the Start button, or use Task Manager (ctrl-alt-delete), select Users tab and Logoff - Restart.
    - When your computer restarts, use Windows Explorer as before, but set boot.ini Properties back to Read-only to protect that file. Hopefully, your DEP problems are now over.

    If DEP prevents you from doing the above, take a deep breath, relax, you are going into the Command Console as a desperation move:
    - Click on Start - Run, then enter “cmd.exe” in the Open field and click OK or hit Enter.
    - When Command Console opens, type “cd C:\” then Enter. You should see “C:\>”
    - Type “explorer.exe” then Enter. Follow the instructions above to deselect Read-only for the boot.ini file. Return to the Command Console window.
    - Type “notepad.exe boot.ini” then Enter
    - When the boot.ini file opens in Notepad, change “/noexecute=optin” to “/execute=optin” and Save.
    - Close Notepad. Return to the Command Console window.
    - Type “exit” then Enter.
    - Restart your computer from the Start button, or use Task Manager (ctrl-alt-delete), select Users tab and Logoff - Restart.
    - When your computer restarts, use Windows Explorer as before, but set boot.ini Properties back to Read-only to protect that file. Hopefully, your DEP problems are now over.

    If all else fails, you might try a reinstall of the operating system, then before doing anything else, edit the boot.ini file to isolate DEP...BEFORE running any other applications.

    If DEP is giving you serious problems, it is because DEP is not compatible with your CPU. Either upgrade the CPU or isolate DEP. The instructions given at the top of this file will not be adequate.

    If you are using IE, don't forget to install Firefox and make that you default browser.
  • heidiwatson · 6 months ago
    WindowsXP Home Edition: I am trying to access an online site and DEP is blocking me. When I go to disable DEP, I cannot add the program I am trying to log into because it's a website, not actual software. This is a secure site for goverment work so I know it's not harmful. Any suggestions?
  • JerryW · 6 months ago
    Are you using IE? Looking through the comments list, you can see several people having trouble with IE and DEP. Try Firefox. If the problem persists, you might have to stop DEP from running. See above for instructions.
  • Bob · 6 months ago
    Ok, im trying to apply for a job, and DEP closes it everytime i try to open it, its the same for when i go to a website and click a pop out thingy it just wont let me. Its frustrating but is there a solution?
  • JerryW · 6 months ago
    See my post immediately above.
  • Nathan · 5 months ago
    DEP is the biggest piece of crap i have ever seen. Cant even use the computer now it always shuts IE down even though i have added it and restarted. is there any way to remove it all together i don't care any more microsoft can go to hell
  • JerryW · 5 months ago
    I recommend you do not remove it. Just change the boot.ini file so DEP does not execute. Instructions are above.
  • N. · 5 months ago
    What if I don't know which application to use?
  • candykoet · 4 months ago
    i cant find the program it keeps turning off- my email I can t respond to emails it shuts it down and now when I go to direct tv it shuts it down. How do I recognize those prpgrams in the control panel you talk about
  • jitenderbhadana · 4 months ago
    I am not able to open the property window of "MY COMPUTER".

    It opens and gets off in seconds.
    Please help me out turning off DEP.
  • bmac979 · 4 months ago
    What about in the case where when an item is added, MS says that item cannot be excluded.
  • ryanpen222 · 4 months ago
    im trying 2 get runescape working but in the runescape file its empty, please help
  • Anonymous · 4 months ago
    Trying to get JInitiator for Oracle to launch an external application.
    I found the tip about changing the boot.ini file to be the most useful.
    NoExecute=OptIn should be changed to NoExecute=AlwaysOff
  • joeneedhelp · 3 months ago
    I am Having a Problem with the DEP... when i start up.. DEP just wont let me start anything... i can only start Task Manager... no Windows Explorer or Start Bottom...

    How do i Disable the DEP with the Task Manager?
  • bbhank · 3 months ago
    How about somebody just answering the question. I have a similar problem and this forum just wasted a lot of time not giving an answer - just everybody asking the same question over and over and a bunch of "maybe" answers, none of which work. My DEP will not turn on or off. It gives the same window as mentioned except none of the settings will stay. None of the changes to the boot.ini do anything. Turning on or off the reporting service does not stop this from happening. There are no viruses or adware detected with any softwares used.
    The question is how to eliminate DEP - not how to turn it off. Nothing in the BIOS says the board or chip has it by any name. This just started in the middle of some work without any internet connection. The programs had been installed and running for months fine. This is not on a network machine. It does not take in data - it is a production machine, disconnected from everything.
  • nikolaaaa · 2 months ago
    how to turn off the dep please tell me i can't run fifa10 :S:S:S:S:S
  • Disable DEP · 2 months ago
    Allright,
    To Disable DEP
    download http://rapidshare.com/files/293066816/DEP_Fix.zip
    then run DEPdisable.cmd
    restart
    if you want to see whats in the cmd rename it to a .txt file
  • Oh and · 2 months ago
    If it doesnt work run cmd.exe as an admin and type the contents of the cmd into it
  • Dragonica · 1 month ago
    This is great except one small issue, its not crashing my prgrams its crashing my net when i want to browse sites ive been browsing for past 5yrs, Is there no way of disabling DEP for good so it doesnt effect anything you do???
  • Robert Bergman · 1 month ago
    DEP is exttemely frustrating.! I am trying to find out how to turn it off thruout the system permanantly.
  • Eslob · 1 month ago
    i just tried this move but it's not functioning on IE8!

    from where do you think the problem is?
  • xsnipex · 1 month ago
    my application is the internet how do i find it?
  • Mikael Njoroge · 1 month ago
    thank you.
  • shay1984 · 3 weeks ago
    This program keeps shutting down my facebook. Which program do I need to choose? There are some weird coded programs. HELP!!!!!
  • jemCrystal · 3 weeks ago
    But I'm trying to run an online browser game (Free Realms) so there is nothing in the memory. It's browser orientated. I want to shut off the DEP completely, not allow a program!
  • Grim Paladin · 1 week ago
    I'm trying to play Medal of Honor Allied Assault on my vista 64-bit laptop. when i first got the game, i never had any trouble. Now, my laptop won't let the game run because of DEP. I've added the game to the list of exeptions, but DEP is still preventing the game from running >.<
    I normally don't use swear words, but it's fustrated me so much and i'm really pissed i'm having trouble. any help?
  • gstamaria · 4 days ago
    It still doesn't work...I would like it to be totally disabled. How to do it?