< Back to Concepts TOC

Mixed Content Warning in Micoroft Internet Explorer

Fitech can be implemented using SSL (https) or standard http. The Fitech portal at https://www.fitechv5.com/ uses SSL, however the Fitech Wiki uses ordinary http. Because Fitech opens context sensitive help using inline windows, Micorosoft Internet Explorer, by default, provides a warning message. This is displayed in figure 1.

What does it mean when I have both secure and non-secure (mixed) content?

Secure and non-secure content, or mixed content, means that a webpage is trying to display elements using both secure (HTTPS/SSL) and non-secure (HTTP) web server connections. This often happens with online stores or financial sites that display images, banners, or scripts that are coming from a server that is not secured.

Figure 1 - Mixed Content Warning in Microsoft Internet Explorer

From Microsoft:

Internet Explorer uses an encrypted protocol called Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) to access secure webpages. These pages use the prefix HTTPS, while regular webpages use HTTP.

Solution

If you are having trouble using sites that include mixed content, you might want to temporarily have Internet Explorer allow all mixed content. To do this, follow these steps:

• To allow mixed content
• Click to open Internet Explorer.
• Click the Tools button, and then click Internet Options.
• Click the Security tab, and then click the Custom level button.
• In the Security Settings dialog box, scroll to the Display mixed content setting in the Miscellaneous section, and then click Enable.
  • Refer Figure 2.
• Click OK in the Security Settings dialog box, click Yes to confirm that you want to make the change, and then click OK to exit Internet Options.

Note - After allowing mixed content, you will see webpages with both HTTPS and non-HTTPS content but Internet Explorer will not show the lock icon.

Figure 2 - Options in Internet Explorer to Enable Mixed Content.

Mixed Conent Warning in Mozilla (Firefox)

Firefox (Mozilla) isn't as intrusive or as irritating as Microsoft when it comes to notification of Mixed Content. There is nothing that the user need do to enable mixed content. A warning icon is displayed at the bottom right of the browser - please refer to figure 3.

Figure 3 - Warning Icon in Mozilla for Mixed Content.