Open files based on content, not file extension

This policy setting allows you to manage MIME sniffing for file promotion from one type to another based on a MIME sniff. A MIME sniff is the recognition by Internet Explorer of the file type based on a bit signature.

If you enable this policy setting, the MIME Sniffing Safety Feature will not apply in this zone. The security zone will run without the added layer of security provided by this feature.

If you disable this policy setting, the actions that may be harmful cannot run; this Internet Explorer security feature will be turned on in this zone, as dictated by the feature control setting for the process.

If you do not configure this policy setting, the MIME Sniffing Safety Feature will not apply in this zone.

Supported on: At least Internet Explorer 6.0 in Windows XP Service Pack 2 or Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1

Open files based on content, not file extension


  1. Enable
    Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    Value Name2100
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value0
  2. Disable
    Registry HiveHKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE
    Registry PathSoftware\Policies\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Internet Settings\Zones\1
    Value Name2100
    Value TypeREG_DWORD
    Value3


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