In Windows Server 2003, Microsoft introduced the Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration feature. In many organizations, the first task that admins take is to disable this “feature” as it can very quickly become a hindrance to getting work done. To disable the feature, you had to use ASdd/Remove Programs, select Windows Components, and uncheck the Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration checkbox and you were back to a normal browsing experience.

Microsoft has also included this security feature in Windows Server 2008. However, disabling and managing the feature in Windows Server 2008 requires a different process.

  • First, open the Server Manager by going to Start > Server Manager
  • In the Server Manager browse to the Security Information section and click Configure IE ESC. In the figure below, IE ESC is located in the very lower right-hand corner of the window.
  • In the Internet Explorer Enhanced Security Configuration window decide for whom you want IE ESC enabled or disabled and click OK.