Cloudeight InfoAve Computer tips and tricks- DEP

Turn off DEP (Data Execution Protection) to prevent program crashes
Windows Vista and Windows 7

If you have a program you use and the program will not run or keeps crashing, sometimes it's because Windows DEP (Data Execution Protection) keeps closing the program. If that's the problem you're having, we're going to show you how you can prevent DEP from closing is so you can continue to use that program.

But before we show you how to do that, you need to know why DEP is important and why you shouldn't turn it off globally (for all programs).

Hackers and virus writers are always looking to exploit unpatched Windows vulnerabilities that allow them to put data on a computer and then trick the computer into executing that data as if it were normal program code. It's one way to take control of, compromise, or "infect" a computer

Data Execution Prevention protects the operating system by trapping malicious attempts to execute data as if it were program code. It's been proven since Windows XP to be a very way to block malicious code from executing. But, like all things, there are two side to that coin - some legitimate programs execute data as code, especially older ones and some newer ones which were created before DEP became part of Windows (with the release of Windows XP) and which were simply updated to work with Windows XP and newer versions of Windows.

But... if you have a program you trust that also happens to cause DEP errors, you can add it to the list of exceptions and effectively turn DEP off for that program. Assuming your computer is protected with good antivirus and good antispyware (and you keep them updated) you shouldn't be increasing your risk of being "attacked" by malicious code simply because you turned DEP off for a particular program or two.

In Windows Vista or Windows 7 you can access the DEP dialog by right-clicking "Computer" in the start menu (or on the desktop) and choosing "Properties". In the dialog that appears, click the Advanced tab. Under Performance, click "Settings". (continued below...)

Our site is supported by you. When you buy one of our own products, make a donation, or purchase a product we recommend, like the one below, you're helping support one the Web's largest sources of free software and free information. Thanks!

Products we use and recommend:

Spyware Doctor - Our #1 choice for spyware protection. Things aren't getting any better out there on the web. Choosing the right antispyware is as important as choosing the right antivirus. Our choice is Spyware Doctor. When you buy Spyware Doctor using our coupon code, you save 20%! Get your coupon code and save 20% here.
Registry Mechanic - We trust it and we've used it for years. It helps keep all of our computers running at top performance. It's a registry cleaner - but it's a whole lot more too. You'll save 20% on Registry Mechanic with our special Cloudeight coupon code. Get your coupon code and more information about Registry Mechanic here.
Reimage - Before you call a computer repair tech or spend several hundred dollars - consider Reimage! In an era when big companies like Best Buy's Geek Squad spend millions and millions of dollars extolling the virtues(?) of its sundry services, many folks with broken computers will simply pick up the phone and call Geek Squad or another heavily-advertised computer repair service. It's not until the repair is finished that the computer owner realizes how Geek Squad can afford all those cute(?) Volkswagens and that multi-gazillion-dollar ad budget. The shock is the bill - if you have your computer repaired in your home it will cost $299.95 - if you lug it into a Best Buy near you, you'll pay $199.95. And what do you get for that much money? If your computer isn't running well and is in need of repair - READ THIS before you call Geek Squad or someone else!
Roboform - What can we say other than this is the first thing we install on all our new computers? We couldn't live without it and we wouldn't either. We bought multiple copies of this program - long before we ever started recommending it. It's the best password manager you can buy. And if you have 10 or less passwords to say, you can even use the free version. We don't offer a discount on this product - but if you decide to buy and you buy through our link, we'll make a commission and you won't pay a penny more than you would if you bought it directly from Roboform. So, if you try it and you like it, buy it from us and help us help you! Roboform is one of our favorite programs. Get more information here.
Oops! Backup - 10% off for all Cloudeight subscribers. Oops! Backup is more than a backup program - it's piece of mind! Read our review of this unique and excellent backup program.

InfoAve Premium

Now click the Data Execution Prevention tab.

In the image above you can see that there are two ways to turn off DEP. The first way is to "Turn on DEP for essential Windows Programs and services only" and the second is "Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select." Rather than turning off DEP for everything except essential Windows programs and services, a better (and safer) way to fix DEP errors with programs is to add those program (or program) to the exception list.

It's easy to do. Click on the Add... button. Now, browse to the program's executable (exe) file. If you have more than one program causing DEP errors and which is being shut down by DEP add it to the list also. But remember - only add programs to the exception list that you know are safe and that you trust. And make sure you have good antivirus and antispyware programs running on your computer and you keep them updated.

If your program crashes or freezes were due to Windows DEP (Data Execution Protection) then the information provided here will allow you to run the program normally. If you follow the steps above and the program still won't run, then it wasn't DEP that was causing the problem. However, much of the time programs that crash or freeze on Vista and Windows 7, crash or freeze because of Windows' DEP.

Spyware Doctor - Our #1 choice for spyware protection. Things aren't getting any better out there on the web. Choosing the right antispyware is as important as choosing the right antivirus. Our choice is Spyware Doctor. When you buy Spyware Doctor using our coupon code, you save 20%! Get your coupon code and save 20% here.

InfoAve Premium E-Book Volume 6 is Available Now! Includes Windows 7 Tips!
Our brand new Cloudeight InfoAve Premium Volume 6 E-Book contains all the content of all 52 issues of InfoAve Premium from our sixth year of publication - from October 2008 to October 2009! InfoAve Premium Volume 6 E-Book is available as a download, on CD-ROM, or on USB Flash Drive! Have it your way...get more information here - or get your copy of our biggest and best E-book ever -- here!

Get an InfoAve Premium Subscription! - Follow us on Twitter.