App blocked by user account control

Question

Hi, 

I have been using the MYOB app for several years and the last time I used it was in March 2020. However, two weeks ago, i was unable to access it with a message that says

"This app has been blocked for your protection. 

An Administrator has blocked you from running this app. For more information, contact the administrator......"

I am also the administrator of the app. I have tried to run the app both as user and administrator but to no success. 

I have right-clicked on the application's exe file, clicked on 'Properties', and 'General' tab to try unblocking it. However, i am unable to find the 'unblock' checkbox in the 'General' tab. 

Appreciate any help and advice from the community. 

Thanks

Joc

Answer 1

Hi JocelynLim2 -

This is Orlando, an Independent Advisor and an expert with Windows 10.

I understand that when you try to open the application your computer it gives you an error message that windows is blocking the application for your protection.

This are 2 possible thing that might be blocking your application to run. 1 is the User Account Control (UAC) or the Windows Defender SmartScreen.

We can try several steps in resolving the issue on your computer.

Method 1: Disable the Windows Defender SmartScreen

1. Open the Microsoft Edge Browser
2. Click on the 3 dots (Ellipsis) on the upper right corner of the Edge page
3. Click on Settings and go to Privacy & Security
4. Scroll down on that screen and disable the Windows Defender SmartScreen

Once disabled check if the application works.

Method 2: Remove administrative control on the application

1. Right click on the application and select properties
2. Select Compatibility Tab
3. Uncheck the run this application as administrator
4. Apply and exit

Check if application will start

Method 3: Bypass "This app has been blocked for your protection" in Local Group Policy

1. Open the group policy editor by pressing the Windows Key + R and type gpedit.msc
2. Navigate to below location:

Computer Configuration > Windows Settings > Security Settings > Local Policies > Security Options.

3. In the right pane, double-click on User Account Control: Run all administrators in Admin Approval Mode.
4. Change the security setting to Disabled and click OK.

When finished, close Local Group Policy Editor and then restart your computer.

Note: Changing the policy above will also cause UAC to be turned off automatically. But if you just turn off UAC won't fix the error "This app has been blocked for your protection". If you like you can try to turn off Windows SmartScreen, this setting also is very helpful.

Method 3: Perform System Restore

System restore will take your computer back to an earlier point in time where everything is working fine on your computer. To perform system restore, please follow the below steps:

1. Open the Run Box by pressing the Windows Key + R and type rstrui.exe
2. System restore window will open, normally it will suggest a restore point (sometimes it doesn't) just select 2nd option to view more restore points
3. Select the date and time of the restore point and hit next then finish.

Windows will restart your computer to initiate system restore, important part is that once system restore started, it must not be interrupted as it might caused system damage on your operating system.

System Restore Disclaimer:

Though system restore will not affect any personal files on your computer there are some rare instances wherein personal files might be removed or deleted while system restore perform its operation so it is advisable to backup your data on an external media just to make sure that your files will be safe.

Hope the above steps help, have a good day.

Thanks,

Orlando Q.

Independent Advisor