Downloading data in an Excel format

Issue:

There is an issue related to Windows Updates (KB3115262 and KB3115130) resulting in Excel files downloaded from our website to appear blank without displaying any of the file's contents.  Prior to installing the Windows Update, users would receive a warning message allowing them to Click "Yes" to display the Excel file's contents.

warning

After installing the Windows Update, the application no longer prompts the user and assumes the file is unsafe.  An Excel file would also appear to be blank if the user had selected "No" at the prompt.

Resolution:

  1. Navigate to "Internet Options"

    2. For Windows 7, at the Start Button type "Internet Options" and press the "Enter key"

    InternetOptions7

    For Windows 8, bring up the sidebar by pressing the "Windows Key" + C then type "Internet Options" and press the "Enter key"

    InternetOptions8

    For Windows 10, type "Internet Options" in the search box and press the "Enter key"

  2. In the Internet Properites window, click on the "Security" tab and select the "Trusted sites" zone then click on the "Sites" button

    3. InternetProperties

  3. In the Trusted Sites window,
    • Uncheck "Require server verification (https:) for all sites in this zone"
    • Under "Add this website to the zone," type "http://www.dmi.illinois.edu" and click the add button
      • then type "https://secure.dmi.illinois.edu" and click the add button
    • Click "Close"

TrustedSites

After adding DMI as a trusted site, users will be able to download data in an Excel format from our website and receive the warning message in Excel allowing them to Click "Yes" to display the file's contents.