Member Avatar for camelNotation

I've been trying to play mp3's and wma files downloaded from kazaa for somedays . Whatever the downloaded file is , an error message
pops up and says " Windows has found a problem with this file . Name : fhg.CAB publisher : Unknown publisher . The file has been blocked because it does not have a valid digital signature that verifies its publisher ."

It's noticable that all files downloaded have got the same problem . My default browser is mozilla firefox . How can I disable windowses attempts to check the digital signature ?

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  • Latest Post Latest Post by sosco

Dani AI

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A short, practical explanation and safe fixes that extend the replies already in this thread.

The popup you saw is not a browser bug — it’s Windows’ Attachment Manager (the “Mark‑of‑the‑Web” behavior) deciding the file came from an untrusted zone and is unsigned, then blocking or warning about it. This is the mechanism introduced/strengthened around the XP SP2 era and is still used in modern Windows to stop unknown/unsigned content from running. See Microsoft’s Attachment Manager documentation for the behavior and the policy names. Microsoft – Attachment Manager documentation. (support.microsoft.com)

If the file is known and trusted, unblock that file (per‑file, safest):

  1. Right‑click the downloaded file → Properties.
  2. On the General tab, check “Unblock” (if present) → Apply → OK.
    If you have many trusted files, use PowerShell to remove the Mark‑of‑the‑Web:
    Get-ChildItem -Path "$env:USERPROFILE\Downloads" -Recurse | Unblock-File

    The Unblock-File cmdlet removes the Zone.Identifier stream (same as the Properties Unblock). [Unblock-File (PowerShell) docs]. (learn.microsoft.com)

If you need to change how Windows tags future downloads (administrators only): enable the Group Policy “Do not preserve zone information in file attachments” (User Configuration → Administrative Templates → Windows Components → Attachment Manager) or set the registry value SaveZoneInformation. Example registry command to stop writing zone info for the current user:

reg add "HKCU\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Attachments" /v SaveZoneInformation /t REG_DWORD /d 1 /f

Important: this weakens a system‑level protection. Prefer targeted fixes (Trusted Sites / Local Intranet, unblock specific files, or add safe servers) instead of disabling zone info globally. See the Attachment Manager policy and SaveZoneInformation details. (support.microsoft.com)

If Windows complains the digital signature is invalid, that can mean signature verification failed (missing/old root CAs, blocked access to Windows Update for root updates, or network/CRL checks failing). For that class of problems you can (a) ensure certificate root updates and CRL/OCSP access work, or (b) change the Internet/IE policy that governs “Allow software to run or install even if the signature is invalid” — but toggling it reduces security and is not recommended for general use. See Microsoft’s Internet/IE policy documentation and the notes about root certificate updates and event troubleshooting. (learn.microsoft.com)

Notes tied to this thread: ’s SP2 observation matches the Attachment Manager timing; ’s msconfig/services note won’t directly control Attachment Manager settings. Also remember the forum’s stance on P2P files — unsigned files from unknown P2P sources remain risky no matter the workaround.

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Member Avatar for mikeandike22

what you are doing is supporting illegal downloading of music, daniweb does not want to be affiliated with this type of action in anyway, these forums are not for p2p problems, if u downloaded something through ne p2p prog, and it messes up ur comp, in my opinion you brought it upon yourself. Especially using kazza u are just waiting to be sued aren't u.

Member Avatar for Dani

Sorry Camel, we have a policy of refusing to support anything related to P2P here EXCEPT for how to get rid of it! Personally, I don't like P2P because you just dont know where those files are from - they can have viruses injected into them for all you know, being passed from computer to computer within the P2P network. Good luck!

Member Avatar for negativgain

I'm having the same problem, but I don't use P2P programs. I tried to install some codecs I downloaded, but they didn't work for mp4 video files. I uninstalled the codecs, next thing I know, my music won't play. The odd thing is, videos work fine. But, I am getting the exact same error message that was originally posted on this thread, even with music files I just copied from a cd. Any idea what to do with this? I'm going to try a system restore as soon as I post this, but I don't have high hopes. Any help would be appreciated, as I don't care for any media program aside from Windows Media Player.

Member Avatar for negativgain

Ok, it's telling me windows can't do a system restore going back only a week. So, anyone got any ideas? WMP will not play ANY audio files. WAVs, MP3s, WMAs, nothing. All say the same thing. Any help would be appreciated.

Member Avatar for negativgain

Nevermind, it was SP2 causinng the problem. All good now.

Member Avatar for sosco

Yes was from SP2... i hade myself SP2.. now i am useing SP1, anyway
start->run->msconfig->[services tab] here you can remove: Automatic Updates (it is disturbing too) and for your problem (becuause i have not SP2 anymore.. i don't find the services on my system) should be something similar: windows firewall,or something like this!

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