# Internet Explorer - How to get 128 Bit Encryption? **URL:** \ **Category:** Factual Questions\ **Created:** [May 12, 2003, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817 "2003-05-12T23:19:06Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 11\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 11:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/1 "2003-05-12T23:19:06Z")
My bank’s site will not allow me to access their site, as they require that I have 128-bit encryption. I currently have Version 6.0.2800.1106, which is only 56 bit encryption. I have downloaded and installed all of the recommended and critical updates to no avail. Can anyone make any suggestions? ---
**Author:** ![sailor](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/a587f6/32.png) [@sailor](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sailor)\ **Post date:** [May 12, 2003, 11:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/2 "2003-05-12T23:23:02Z")
High encryption is included in the latest versions of the Internet Explorer browser. If you are running an earlier version of Internet Explorer without 128-bit encryption, you can download the latest version of Internet Explorer from the Internet Explorer Download page [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.asp](http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/default.asp) ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/3 "2003-05-13T00:08:13Z")
I have already downloaded the most recent version, and it is still 56-bit. I’m on Windows 2000, and the service pack for IE at that site can not be installed for this version. I don’t understand why not. ---
**Author:** ![ForbiddenFruitsalad](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/ccd318/32.png) [@ForbiddenFruitsalad](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ForbiddenFruitsalad)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/4 "2003-05-13T00:27:28Z")
I can’t remember the exact details, but there were some problems because Windows 2000 didn’t ship with 128-bit encryption support due to export restrictions. Try [the latest service pack for Windows 2000](http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/servicepacks/sp3/) if you haven’t already installed that. If that doesn’t help you could try the [Windows 2000 High Encryption Pack](http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/downloads/recommended/encryption/), but I think that’s included in SP3. ---
**Author:** ![GingerOfTheNorth](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/cdc98d/32.png) [@GingerOfTheNorth](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GingerOfTheNorth)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 12:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/5 "2003-05-13T00:47:43Z")
I have tried to install the latest Service Packs, but the last one came up with a window that said I needed IE 6 to be installed first. Which I already do. I am incredibly frustrated. ---
**Author:** ![sturmhauke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/e47c2d/32.png) [@sturmhauke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/sturmhauke)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 1:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/6 "2003-05-13T01:00:28Z")
Something weird is going on then. My work computer has Win 2K and the same version of IE, but with 128-bit encryption. ---
**Author:** ![Lsura](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/7993a0/32.png) [@Lsura](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Lsura)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 1:06am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/7 "2003-05-13T01:06:23Z")
You might try downloading Netscape and using it to access your bank information. I have this same problem with IE, but only on my laptop (purchased just after Christmas this year). I am only able to access secured sites (hotmail, my university e-mail and my bank) through Netscape. On the desktop, I can use either browser with no problem (and actually only have IE installed). The only difference I can find is that the laptop is running XP Home and the desktop is running ME. ---
**Author:** ![Duckster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/duckster/32/1244_2.png) [@Duckster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Duckster)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 4:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/8 "2003-05-13T04:10:57Z")
> [@](#): > > The Microsoft Internet Explorer High Encryption Pack is eligible for export from the U.S. to all customers worldwide, except to U.S. embargoed destinations. Information on exporting Microsoft products is available at [http://www.microsoft.com/exporting/](http://www.microsoft.com/exporting/). Other countries may exercise separate jurisdiction over the import, export or use of encryption products. Users who download this product should observe any local regulations that may apply to the distribution or use of encryption products. Source: [http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/recommended/128bit/default.asp](http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/downloads/recommended/128bit/default.asp) Are you in an embargoed country? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Caught\_Work](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/919ad9/32.png) [@Caught\_Work](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Caught_Work)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 11:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/9 "2003-05-13T11:14:13Z")
I think Ginger is in Canada, so not very likely. ---
**Author:** ![dantheman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dantheman/32/9421_2.png) [@dantheman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dantheman)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 12:01pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/10 "2003-05-13T12:01:04Z")
Only if she moved back. Last I checked, she was in the Baltimore, Maryland area. ---
**Author:** ![garius](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/e19b73/32.png) [@garius](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garius)\ **Post date:** [May 13, 2003, 12:07pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/internet-explorer-how-to-get-128-bit-encryption/174817/11 "2003-05-13T12:07:09Z")
I’d recommend switching browser too. Download Mozilla. Go on…you know you want to… 🙂