What are ActiveX Controls?

You might have seen the term “ActiveX” show up on your browser page at different times when you’re surfing the net. Some people find these little prompts annoying while some people simply just comply with whatever it is on their screens. Understanding what they are will help you appreciate and understand what they do for your browsing activities.

ActiveX is actually a program that was created by Microsoft and it is especially designed for their Windows Operating Systems. This program basically makes your browser more dynamic. When installed, interactive media on the particular web sites you are viewing can be used. Their main function is to allow a higher level of interactivity for the users. Before the program can function, users have to install and register ActiveX components on their machines.

Some ActiveX components will be registered during the installation process. However, there are also components that will require one to register them via the command prompt. It all depends on the company that created the component whether they designed it to automatically register as you download the software or if it is designed to be manually registered after installation. Either way, every Windows machine will require its installation and registration.

Troubleshooting Problems with ActiveX Controls

If you’re troubleshooting problems with your ActiveX controls then you may have to uninstall and reinstall them or just change some settings on your computer. When your browser can’t run any ActiveX components you will have to enable them. To enable these components open Internet Explorer and go to Tools>Internet Options>Security>Custom Level. Under “Download Signed ActiveX Controls” select the “Prompt” option. Click “Enable” for both “Script ActiveX Controls Marked for Scripting” and “Run Signed ActiveX Controls”. Click “OK” and your settings will be saved.

Uninstalling ActiveX

In case you’re experiencing problems with the current ActiveX components installed on your computer, you will have to uninstall them first before installing new ones. To remove them open Control Panel and click “Add/Remove Programs”. Next, click ActiveX on the list programs and then click “Uninstall”. Wait for your computer to remove the program completely from off your computer.

Installing ActiveX

There are two ways to install ActiveX components on your computer. The more familiar one is to visit the web site that requires the said components thereby prompting an installation of the said plug-ins. Another way is to go to the site provided by manufacturers or site owners where you may download them and install them manually.

If you are prompted by a site to install ActiveX components you will see a yellow bar at your toolbars prompting you to install the said components. Click it and select “Install ActiveX”. Let the program install and then refresh the page you were viewing. The interactive components will then be enabled.