ZONE.IDENTIFIER File – What is .zone.identifier file and how to open it?

Purpose of ZONE.IDENTIFIER Files

ZONE.IDENTIFIER files are used by Microsoft Internet Explorer (IE) and Windows to associate specific security zones with websites. These files identify the security zone for a given domain, controlling the level of trust and permissions granted to websites within that zone. By default, IE assigns websites to four zones: Internet, Local Intranet, Trusted Sites, and Restricted Sites. ZONE.IDENTIFIER files can be created and modified to customize these security zones and define specific rules for different domains.

Structure and Content

ZONE.IDENTIFIER files are plaintext files that contain a list of domain names followed by a corresponding security zone identifier. The syntax of the file is as follows:


[Domain Name] = [Security Zone Identifier]


For example, the following ZONE.IDENTIFIER file assigns the domain “example.com” to the Trusted Sites zone:


example.com = Trusted Sites


Multiple domain names can be listed in the same file, each separated by a newline character. The security zone identifiers are represented by numeric codes, with 1 indicating the Internet zone, 2 indicating the Local Intranet zone, 3 indicating the Trusted Sites zone, and 4 indicating the Restricted Sites zone.

ZONE.IDENTIFIER File Format

ZONE.IDENTIFIER files are associated with Microsoft’s Authenticode technology, a digital signature system used to verify the authenticity and integrity of software. These files contain information about the software’s publisher and digital signature, allowing the operating system to determine whether the software is safe to run.

ZONE.IDENTIFIER files are typically created during the software installation process and stored in the system’s registry. They have a file format that is specific to Windows operating systems and cannot be opened directly by most software applications. However, the information contained within these files can be accessed through the Windows Registry Editor or by using special tools designed to work with Authenticode files.

Usage and Purpose of ZONE.IDENTIFIER Files

ZONE.IDENTIFIER files, commonly known as Windows Zone Identifier Files, play a crucial role in the Windows operating system’s security measures. These files are text-based and contain digital signatures that identify the publisher and other relevant information about a particular program or file. When a user downloads and attempts to install a program, the operating system checks for the presence of a ZONE.IDENTIFIER file to verify the authenticity and trustworthiness of the software. By examining the digital signature, Windows can determine whether the program comes from a known and trusted publisher or if it poses a potential security risk.

Structure and Content of ZONE.IDENTIFIER Files

ZONE.IDENTIFIER files follow a straightforward structure and contain essential information about the associated program. They typically include the following sections:

• Zone: This section specifies the security zone in which the program is expected to operate. Zones are categories such as “Internet” or “Trusted Sites” that determine the level of trust Windows assigns to the software.
• Publisher: This section contains information about the publisher of the program, including its name and contact details.
• Product: This section provides details about the specific program, including its name, version, and release date.
• Signature: This section comprises the digital signature that verifies the authenticity of the file and its publisher. The signature is typically generated using a cryptographic algorithm, such as SHA1 or SHA256, and is essential for ensuring the integrity and safety of the software.

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