Turn off Windows Internet File Association service
If you want to disallow users from using the Microsoft web service to search for applications on the Internet that can open files with unhandled or unknown file extensions or if your environment dictates that the use of unnecessary web services may pose a security risk, then you can disable this feature using Group Policy.
This policy setting specifies whether to use the Microsoft Web service for finding an application to open a file with an unhandled file association. When a user opens a file that has an extension that is not associated with any applications on the computer, the user is given the choice to select a local application or use the Web service to find an application. If you enable this policy setting, the link and the dialog for using the Web service to open an unhandled file association are removed. If you disable or do not configure this policy setting, the user is allowed to use the Web service.
- To configure this policy on a single Windows 7 computer, open the Local Group Policy Editor snap-in by typing gpedit.msc in the Start search text box and press enter.
- Go to Local Computer Policy\User Configuration\Administrative Templates\System\Internet Communication Manager\Internet Communication settings node.
- Double click Turn off Internet File Association service in the right hand side pane.
- Select the Enabled radio button, then click Apply and OK.
