How to Fix Problems with Active X Controls
Tuesday, May 27th, 2008Q. What is Active X?
A. Active X is commonly associated with Microsoft programs. It was developed by Microsoft to help provide a way to deliver rich content. However, it is usually taken advantage of as a means to deliver spyware to people over the Internet. Active X does not need to be downloaded in order to work on your computer. It automatically runs in your browser. This makes it great for delivering video and rich media components when used properly, but it can also be abused and used to harm other computers.
Q. What are common problems that are associated with Active X Controls?
A. First, let’s deal with basic Active X error messages. You’ll usually get a pop up in your browser telling you that a site wants to run an Active X control and cannot. This is pretty common, especially if you have your security level set to high or if you are using Firefox instead of Internet Explorer. If you don’t allow the control to run, you usually won’t be able to see the site.
By far though, the most common Active X issues are associated with spyware. Since they run automatically, it can be difficult if not impossible to stop them from installing software on your computer. You may think you are on a site that you trust, but unless you are positively sure that you want to run an Active X Control, you never should allow it.
Q. How do I fix these problems?
A. If you trust the site and you want to view their Active X content, you can go to your browser’s security controls. In Internet Explorer click on Tools/Internet Options and then select Security. Click on the option for Custom Levels. You’ll see a big list appear with different settings. Scroll down until you find Active X Controls and click it to allow these controls to display.
Since Active X Controls can be dangerous, it is best to set your browser so that it asks you each and every time an Active X control wants to run, giving you the option of either denying it access or accepting it. This is the safest way to still enjoy the benefits of using Active X while avoiding spyware.
Once you have changed your settings to the appropriate level of control, click ok and go back to the site. You may need to hit the refresh button to view the page properly.
Q. How do I keep this from happening in the future?
A. Actually, Active X Control errors can be a good thing since they are letting you know that an application is trying to run. It’s far better to deal with these error messages than to find out too late that you have spyware infecting your computer. If you are really not that concerned, you can set your browser to allow all Active X controls, but this is really not recommended in any event.