internet explorer "helper"

[titan.nyquist]

What is this Internet Explorer "helper" thing? I choose not to install it, as I don't know what it does. Can someone explain it?

[tashi]

Hello.

This stickied topic by md usa spybot fan is helpful: How Spybot-S&D protects against the installation of Spyware/Malware.

Regards.

[Hellbound45]

Read that link, It simple stops IE from downloading bad files, and virtually no slowdown

[titan.nyquist]

Thank you. It was the (potential) slowdown that was the issue, not the protection.

[titan.nyquist]

Hmmm... now the problem is, now do I enable it? Do I have to reinstall?

[md usa spybot fan]

There are two (2) ways to enable Spybot's SDHelper BHO (Browser Helper Object):

1. Go into Spybot > Immunize.
   
   • Look in the last section labeled "Permanently running bad download blocker for Internet Explorer".
   • Check (if unchecked) the following:
     
     • "Enable permanent blocking of bad addresses in Internet Explorer"
2. Go into Spybot > Mode > Advanced Mode > Tools > Resident
   • Look in section labeled "Resident protection status".
   • Check (if unchecked) the following:
     
     • Resident "SDHelper" (Internet Explorer bad download blocker) Active.

[titan.nyquist]

Thank you.

I have enabled it, and also "immunized" my computer.

I have been using Spybot for years and never realized these extra features (extra protection) existed until just now.