It is annoying how some inexperienced webmasters try to “protect” their pages by using a script to disable the secondary mouse button (event.button == 2), thereby preventing e.g. the Open in New Tab and Copy Shortcut context menu items (at least in Microsoft® Internet Explorer 7.0).

Still assuming MSIE, perhaps the quickest way to stop such interference is clicking on Tools → Internet Options → Security → Restricted Sites → Sites → Add and then reloading the page (Ctrl-F5). The page is now restricted, so client side scripts should not run.

Of course, you might also disable JavaScript and its ilk for all sites by adjusting the security level for the Internet zone. The content of any web site worth its salt will be accessible without scripting support; after all, not all browsers even include such support in the first place. You may lose some extra goodies though.

One of my motives for writing this item is capturing search engine users who search for “right click protection”, as I would like to inform them that such protection is a fallacy. In order for a visitor’s browser to show them your web site content, your web server must first send it, whereupon said content will be at the client’s unlimited disposal.

If someone wants to save, scrutinize, modify or otherwise handle your material, your trying to disable the context menu will not stop him or her. What it will do is annoy — perhaps even drive away — visitors who might otherwise have bought your merchandise, clicked your links and generally liked your site.

Your comments are welcome, as always.