IE Content Advisor Password

  • Section(s): Disable , IE and Explorer, IE
  • Published on Apr 20, 2004.
  • Last Modified on Apr 20, 2004.
  • Last Modified by Wayne Maples.
  • Rated 4.5 out of 5 based on 24 votes.
Microsoft IE has a Content Advisor password which if forgotten, makes it impossible for anyone to access the sites screened out. These sites don't contain offensive material- they are simply unrated.

You can clear out the existing password by deleting the following value:

HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Policies\Ratings

There may also be a sub-key .default. If the file %systemroot%\System\Ratings.pol exists, delete it or rename it. Reboot. In Internet Explorer, go to Tools | Internet Options and click the Content tab. Click Enable Ratings and specify a new password.

Technet articles
Q155609 - Removing a Forgotten Internet Explorer Ratings Password
Q155355 - Err Msg: Content Advisor Will Not Allow You to See This Site
Q155823 - Content Advisor Warns on URLs Containing "~" in Name
Q221787 - New Features in Internet Explorer 5

About Wayne Maples


Article not looking right or info is missing? Let us know so that we can fix it: .


Receive all the latest articles by email!

Receive Real-Time & Monthly WindowsNetworking.com article updates in your mailbox. Enter your email below!
Click for Real-Time sample & Monthly sample

Become a WindowsNetworking.com member!

Discuss your network issues with thousands of other network administrators. Click here to join!

Community Area

Log in | Register

Readers' Choice

Which is your preferred Anti Spam Hardware solution?

Follow TechGenix on Twitter