Yes, it's a security feature.

Unable to open local files from Internet Explorer window? IE6 SP1 and later:
http://windowsxp.mvps.org/ie/elevlocalfile.htm

--
Ramesh, Microsoft MVP
Windows XP Shell/User

Windows XP Troubleshooting
http://www.winhelponline.com


"theweb4u" <theweb4u@discussions.microsoft.com> wrote in message
news:857E8BAE-E69F-4E75-A7CD-31C0CD8DC755@microsoft.com...
> With Win 98 and the earlier version of IE6 we could use the following
> sytax
> to run a file on the local computer from a web site.
> file:///c:/Folder/file.htm However with XP and the newer version of IE6
> the
> browser does not seem to see this as a link anymore. It shows the hand as
> though it is a link but won't initiate the link. it just does nothing.
> However if you have this link on the same web page on your local computer
> and load it then click the link it works ok.
> It seems to be some extra security that has been put into the latest IE6.
>
> Anyone got any answers.