How to Allow or Block Cookies in Internet Explorer in Vista and Windows 7

information   Information
A cookie is a small text file that websites put on your computer to store information about you and your preferences. For more information, see: Microsoft Help and Support: Description of Cookies

Type of Cookie Description
Session cookies Temporary, or per session, cookies are files that allow a site to link the actions of a visitor during a single browser session. They are not stored long term and are often removed from your computer after you leave the website or close Internet Explorer. Websites use them to store temporary information, such as items in your shopping cart.
Persistent cookies Persistent, or saved, cookies remain on your computer after you leave the website or close Internet Explorer. Websites use them to store information, such as your log in name and password, so that you don't have to sign in each time you go to a particular site. Persistent cookies can remain on your computer for days, months, or even years.
First-party cookies A Session or Persistant cookie is issued by the website that you are visiting. Websites might use these cookies to store information that they will reuse the next time you go to that site. For example, to log you on to the website automatically, for a shopping cart, study how people navigate a site, etc.
Third-party cookies A Session or Persistant cookie is issued from another server other than the domain of the website you are visiting. These type of cookies could be used for triggering advertisement (such as pop-up or banner adverts) based on the visitor's viewing habbits, and could be used to track your web usage for marketing purposes.

Tip   Tip


Note   Note
The cookie folders locations are:NOTE: These are hidden protected operating system files. To see them, see Method Two step 2 and 4 here: How to Hide or Show Hidden Files and Folders in Vista. You can also type Shell:Cookies in the Start menu white line (Start Search) area and press Enter to see them.
C:\Users\(User Name)\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies\Low

AND

C:\Users\(User Name)\AppData\Roaming\Microsoft\Windows\Cookies








OPTION ONE
How to Always Allow or Block Cookies

NOTE: Blocking all cookies can help protect your privacy, but it might limit your experience on some websites. Be selective about which websites you allow cookies for. You can start by blocking all cookies, then allow cookies as needed for websites that you trust in OPTION TWO below.
1. Open IE7.

2. Click on Tools.

3. Click on Internet Options.

4. Click on the Privacy tab. (See Screenshot below step 5)

5. Click on the Advanced button.
internet_options.jpg
6. You can choose to either Allow, Block ,or Prompt you when a cookie tries to install, from both a 1st party and 3rd party (I would keep this one blocked). You can also choose to Override IE7's automatic cookie handling. (I Recommend to). Plus, choose to allow session cookies or not. (See screenshot below)

7. Click on OK.
advanced.jpg



OPTION TWO
To Always Allow or Block Cookies Per Site
warning   Warning
The settings here will overide whatever you have set in the Advanced Privacy Settings in OPTION ONE above.
Note   Note
Some websites may require that you to have either 1st party and/or session cookies enabled in OPTION ONE above for them to be viewed, even with them listed as always allow in the Sites section (step 7) below. (Ex: Secured sites)
1. Open IE7.

2. Click on Tools.

3. Click on Internet Options.

4. Click on the Privacy tab. (See screenshot below step 5)

5. Click on the Sites button.
Click image for larger version.  Name: Internet_Options.jpg  Views: 4692  Size: 33.6 KB  ID: 1497
6. Type in the website's domain address. Ex: Vistax64.com (See screenshot below step 10)

7. Select if you would like to always ALLOW or BLOCK this address's cookies by clicking one of these two.

8. The address is now added to the bottom pane.

9. To remove a address from this list, just click on the address and then click on the Remove button.

10. Click on OK.
per-site.jpg
That's it,
Shawn