How to completely disable DEP in Windows Server 2003

To completely disable DEP (Data Execution Prevention) in Windows Server 2003, perform the following with administrative credentials:

1. Open Windows Explorer

2. Tools > Folder Options > View

3. Uncheck Hide Protected operating system files (Recommended) and Hide extensions for known file types

4. Click apply > OK

5. Browse to C:\

6. Right click on boot.ini, select properties and ensure the “read-only” tab is unchecked and click OK

7. Edit boot.ini

8. Modify the  /noexecute=

For example, set  /noexecute=AlwaysOff to disasble DEP entirely

9. File > Save, close boot.ini file

10. Right click on boot.ini, select properties and ensure the “read-only” tab is checked and click OK

11. Reboot the computer

For more about DEP see MS KB875352