FULL PRODUCT VERSION :


ADDITIONAL OS VERSION INFORMATION :
Vista Ultimate x64

A DESCRIPTION OF THE PROBLEM :
The Java plug-in for 32-bit Internet Explorer 7 triggers a Data Execution Prevention (DEP) event on 64-bit Vista. This happens only if DEP is enabled for IE7, which is not the default setting.

This was observed with a couple of different Java applets, such as Secunia's "Software Inspector" at http://www.secunia.com/software_inspector

Here are three more links that causes Internet Explorer 7 to shut down with a Data Execution Prevention error on my system under the circumstances I described:

http://www.time.gov and click on a time zone to launch the Java applet there.

http://www.java.com/en/games/desktop/radicalaces.jsp (random Java game I selected, click "TRY IT NOW!")

http://www.java.com/en/desktop/ultramixer.jsp (random Java app I selected, click "TRY IT NOW!")



STEPS TO FOLLOW TO REPRODUCE THE PROBLEM :
A) enable IE7's dedicated Data Execution Prevention setting by

1) running IE7 as an Administrator (Start > All Programs > right-click Internet Explorer and choose Run As Administrator)

2) going to Tools > Internet Options, scrolling down to SECURITY, and enabling memory protection


B) visit a web site that uses a Java applet, e.g. http://www.secunia.com/software_inspector

or the above links.

EXPECTED VERSUS ACTUAL BEHAVIOR :
EXPECTED -
I was expecting the Java plug-in to work normally.
ACTUAL -
Internet Explorer 7 gets shut down with a Data Execution Prevention alert.

REPRODUCIBILITY :
This bug can be reproduced always.

CUSTOMER SUBMITTED WORKAROUND :
Disabling IE7's Data Execution Prevention setting is a viable workaround.