IE6: Import Privacy settings broken??

[rmrucker]

Has ANYONE been able to get IE6 to accept an imported XML Privacy file?? I have tried multiple times and it keeps rejecting them. To the best of my abilities these files comply with the guidelines issued by Microsoft.

I am posting this on multiple boards to see if ANYONE ANYWHERE has gotten this to work. So far, no one has responded positively, yet I do not see it written up as a "bug"...

Please let me know if you have gotten this 'new feature' to work. Thanks.

[blebs]

This isn't an answer to your question, but you might check the microsoft newsgroups. On my last visit, there were so many bugs in IE 6 and OE 6 that I'm seriously considering dumping it until they fix most of the bugs. ;)

[rmrucker]

Thanks, blebs. This was supposed to be one of the BIG things about IE6 -- "import your own privacy settings". HOWEVER, no one -- no one anywhere -- has responded positively to this question.

I tried for days to follow the instructions, but it did not work. Then I began posting on various boards. No one has said they have done this.

Why isn't this in the press or something? Maybe it is just my ineptitude, but why isn't someone else speaking up???

[blebs]

I haven't a clue. The question I posted was about OE 6 and it never got any response either. I doubt that your inept! Things that are supposed to work, by instruction, don't! I've pulled my hair out looking for remedies and asking Microsoft themselves, has yielded nothing either. That is why I tried the newsgroups instead. I still have no answer and have done everything short of dumping it for now. You may be running into the same things with XML file.

I set up my own security on IE 6 because I've never tried to Import the files previously. I like the features, but .............

[rmrucker]

By Microsoft's description, it SOUNDS like the XML Import file is the most definitive way to control privacy in IE6. And this would be great -- if it only worked... I must be doing something wrong, so I am searching for someone who has been successful.

Here is the link that explains how to "make your own" Privacy Import file:
http://msdn.microsoft.com/library/default.asp?url=/workshop/security/privacy/overview/privacyimportxml.asp

[rmrucker]

Ah! Finally. I got it to work. I'll come back later and post my findings.

So far I really like the power of the Import file. I just wish Microsoft -- or even some third-party -- would make an interface that is user-friendly...

[blebs]

I'd sure be interested in how you acheived the end result. Post when you have the time. :)

[Storm90]

rrmucker, It was not working right for me. So I did a complete unistall, Plus found all the files for it on my drive and ran a reg cleaner. Then reinstalled it. Now it works great, Have not had a proublem with it. I think the first time it just did not install right. You might want to do this and see if this helps. Also remember under the privacy tab where it marked advanced to add the web sites you want blocked. GoodLuck! I hope this helps you out. It will only work with os 98 98se and win Me and 2000, Plus win XP.;)

[Storm90]

Mine works fine! If you installed over 5.5, Like I did On my son's It would not. Your best bet is to install it over the IE that came with your os,Plus do as I suggested above! In edit you can added web sites you do not want cookies from or access. You can Import web sites, Files and such to and over ride their cookies. In advanced you can set it up just to accept session cookies only. I have been useing it sense the beta versions with one proublem.The one listed above. I hope this is what you wanted to know!;);)

[rmrucker]

We got the Import files to work -- and I like them an awful lot! It really gives you the power to control your cookies. My only regret is the fact that there is no real user interface to query what your settings are! Also, it is not as easy to make simple adjustments to your settings -- you have to import a new file.

Eric Howes and I did a lot of tests looking at how cookies were handled given all the different options available with IE6. It is a LONG read, but it is packed full of information (if this interests you). This (http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/ie6-p3p.htm) is the page.

Additionally, we looked at how different XML Import files work and Eric created 100 different ones that people can use! All of the import files are available for download here (http://www.staff.uiuc.edu/~ehowes/resource5.htm). There is an enclosed file called "xml-menu.txt" that explains everything.

He also includes a Default.reg file which will more completely return your settings to default.