After installing IE7 I started getting greeted by a series of dialogs with the title "Open File - Security Warning" and the message "The publisher could not be verified - Unknown Publisher". The message also mentioned that the application did not have a valid digital signature.
What's interesting about this is that Firefox is set as my default browser and furthermore, neither IE7 nor any other web browser were open when I was getting these warning dialogs. This was happening immediately after logging in, while the applications in my system tray were being loaded.
It turns out that some of the applications I run are stored on a mapped network drive.
I searched extensively on Google and I tried a lot of suggested solutions, but none worked. Finally, I found
this solution and it did work. I am reproducing it below. Thanks
eatyummypuppies.
"The publisher could not be verified" prompt running executable from network
Sunday, June 25, 2006 at 11:40 am
Windows Vista Annoyances Discussion Forum
Posted by eatyummypuppies (1 messages posted)
This isn't a question but a tip. I feel the need to post it somewhere because I've been looking for the answer (half-ass-edly) for years. (I finally just figured it out on Vista, but I'm sure it applies to XP SP2 also.)
Problem:
Running XP SP2 or higher, you try to run an executable located on another machine on your network. Your accosted with a prompt: "The publisher could not be verified". You are forced to confirm that you wish to run this program... every time you run it.
Solution:
Run gpedit.msc
Go to User Configuration >> Administrative Templates >> Windows Components >> Attachment Manager
Add "*.exe" to the "Inclusion list for moderate risk file types" setting.
"This policy setting allows you to configure the list of moderate risk file types. If the attachment is in the list of moderate risk file types and is from the restricted or Internet zone, Windows prompts the user before accessing the file. ..."
In other words, this allows you to run an .exe from the Intranet zone without a prompt, but it will warn before running one from the Internet.
(If you Google, a lot of people are instructing to add *.exe to the list of low-risk file types, allowing .exe files to execute from anywhere on the internet. A lot of other solutions that simply don't work are floating around as well.)