FIX: The InternetQueryOptionW function returns a value of true when you use the INTERNET_OPTION_URL option flag as the second parameter in Internet Explorer 7

In Windows Internet Explorer 7, the Microsoft Windows Internet (WinINet) function InternetQueryOptionW returns a value of true when you use the INTERNET_OPTION_URL option flag as the second parameter of the function. This problem occurs even though the buffer is insufficient or NULL.

For example, the clause that you use resembles the following: You expect that the InternetQueryOptionW function will return a value of false because the buffer is NULL. However, the InternetQueryOptionW function returns a value of true.

Note This problem does not occur in earlier versions of Microsoft Internet Explorer. Also, this problem does not occur if you use the InternetQueryOptionA function.

This problem occurs because of an error in the Wininet.dll file.

Security update information

To resolve this problem, install the most current cumulative security update for Internet Explorer. To install the most current updates, visit the following Microsoft Web site: For more technical information about the most current cumulative security update for Internet Explorer, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note This fix was first included in security update 937143 (MS07-045). For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Windows Vista service pack information

To resolve this problem, obtain the latest service pack for Windows Vista. For more information, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base:

Hotfix information

A supported hotfix is available from Microsoft. However, this hotfix is intended to correct only the problem that is described in this article. Apply this hotfix only to systems that are experiencing this specific problem. This hotfix might receive additional testing. Therefore, if you are not severely affected by this problem, we recommend that you wait for the next software update that contains this hotfix.

If the hotfix is available for download, there is a "Hotfix download available" section at the top of this Knowledge Base article. If this section does not appear, contact Microsoft Customer Service and Support to obtain the hotfix.

Note If additional issues occur or if any troubleshooting is required, you might have to create a separate service request. The usual support costs will apply to additional support questions and issues that do not qualify for this specific hotfix. For a complete list of Microsoft Customer Service and Support telephone numbers or to create a separate service request, visit the following Microsoft Web site: Note The "Hotfix download available" form displays the languages for which the hotfix is available. If you do not see your language, it is because a hotfix is not available for that language.

Prerequisites

You must have Windows Vista, Microsoft Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 2 (SP2), or Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) installed to apply this hotfix.

Restart requirement

You must restart the computer after you apply this hotfix.

Hotfix replacement information

This hotfix does not replace any other hotfixes.

File information

The English version of this hotfix has the file attributes (or later file attributes) that are listed in the following table. The dates and times for these files are listed in Coordinated Universal Time (UTC). When you view the file information, it is converted to local time. To find the difference between UTC and local time, use the Time Zone tab in the Date and Time item in Control Panel.

Windows Vista, x64-based versions

Windows Vista, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x64-based versions

Windows Server 2003, x86-based versions

Windows Server 2003, Itanium-based versions

Windows XP, x86-based versions

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a problem in the Microsoft products that are listed in the "Applies to" section. This problem was first corrected in Windows Vista Service Pack 1.

For more information about the InternetQueryOption function, visit the following Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) Web site:For more information about option flags, visit the following MSDN Web site:For more information about the Windows Internet API, visit the following MSDN Web site: For more information about software update terminology, click the following article number to view the article in the Microsoft Knowledge Base: