Data Execution Prevention (DEP) is a security feature built into Windows Vista that helps prevent damage from viruses and other security threats by monitoring your programs to make sure they use system memory safely.

If you’re trying to use a program that’s being blocked from running by DEP this guide might be able to help.

Warning: Make sure the program being blocked is not a virus. Another reason for DEP blocking software is because it’s been written so poorly it would make your system unstable. Use this guide at your own risk.

Turn Off DEP for an Individual Program

1. Open the Control Panel.
2. Make sure the Control Panel is in classic view by clicking Classic View in the left pane of the control panel.
3. Open System.
4. Click Advanced System Settings in the left pane of the System window in the Control Panel.
5. Click the Settings button in the Performance section of the Advanced tab.

   ^[1]

6. Click the Data Execution Prevention tab.

   ^[2]

7. Select Turn on DEP for all programs and services except those I select.

   ^[3]

8. Check off the Program you want DEP to not monitor from the list or click the Add button to manually add a program to the list.
9. Click OK to save your changes and then restart your computer.

Note: Some programs will not be able to bypass DEP for reasons that are beyond me.