These files can’t be opened. Your Internet security settings prevented one or more files from being opened.

I came across this today while trying to run an unsigned, potentially harmful executable. There are plenty of recommendations out there on the web on how to fix this, but I found the fastest solution to be as follows.

Open internet explorer and select internet options:

internet_explorer_settings

Next select the security tab then restricted sites:

internet_explorer_settings_security+restricted_sites

Now Select custom level and in the new window scroll down and enable “launching applications and unsafe files(not secure)”:

internet_explorer_settings+security_settings-restricted-sites-zone

Select ok and agree to the warning:

internet_explorer_settings+warning!

Now try to run your executable. If this still does not work try using the above steps on the internet, local intranet, and trusted sites zones:

internet_explorer_settings+main_menu