Registry Tip #53: IE Content Advisor Password

Hits: Failed to execute CGI : Win32 Error Code = 3


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