Install ActiveX on Windows XP

When browsing the Web using Internet Explorer, some websites may require you to download or install their Active X controls in order to use or view certain types of online content. Active X controls can be installed on a case-by-case basis while visiting certain websites, or managed through the Internet Options menu in Internet Explorer. Follow these steps to install Active X controls safely from trusted websites, and to adjust your current Active X settings and preferences in Windows XP.

Steps

Adjust Active X Settings in Internet Explorer

1. Open a new session of Internet Explorer.
2. Click on "Tools" in the menu bar, and select "Internet Options."
3. Click on the tab labeled "Security."
4. Click on the button labeled "Custom level."
5. Scroll down through the list of settings until you locate "ActiveX controls and plug-ins."
6. Select "Enable" next to "Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls."
7. Select "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Download signed ActiveX controls."
8. Choose "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins."
9. Click "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting."
10. Click on "OK" to save your security settings.
11. Click "OK" to close Internet Options. Internet Explorer is now equipped with the ability to allow you to install Active X controls when visiting certain websites.

Installing Active X on Websites

1. Navigate to the website that requires you to install an Active X control.
2. Read the description that explains why you must install the Active X control. Trusted and reputable websites will provide you with a detailed explanation as to why you need an Active X control installed to use the website. For example, a trusted video website may require you to download Active X in order to watch the video.
3. Verify that the Active X control is published and being provided to you by the trusted website. For example, if wikiHow requires you to install an Active X control, verify that the description shows wikiHow is both the publisher and provider of the control.
4. Accept and run the Active X installation only if you have verified that it is being provided by a trusted and reputable source.

Tips

• Select "Prompt" instead of "Enable" when managing your Active X control settings in Internet Explorer. The prompt option will allow you to review more information about the Active X control before accepting the installation.
• Contact the website owner directly if an Active X control looks suspicious or if you've never before been prompted to install an Active X control on that website. Some reputable websites may be under attack from third-parties that have malicious intent.

Warnings

• Do not accept or install Active X controls from publishers and websites you do not trust. Active X controls can sometimes contain viruses or malicious spyware that can harm your computer if installed and downloaded.
• Do not accept or run Active X controls that lack descriptions of what the control will allow you to do once installed. Valid Active X controls will always provide you with detailed explanations about their purposes.

Sources and Citations

• http://windows.microsoft.com/is-IS/windows/help/genuine/ie-activex
• http://windows.microsoft.com/en-US/Windows7/Should-I-install-ActiveX-controls

See also

• Uninstall Windows XP and Revert to a Previous Operating System
• Install the Recovery Console in Windows 2000 or XP
• Use Windows XP
• Remove Windows Messenger on Windows XP
• Restore Recycle Bin in Windows XP Pro
• Perform a Backup on Windows XP
• Change the Default Photo Display Program in Windows XP
• Un Hide Folders and Files on XP
• Make a Hidden Icon on Windows XP
• Disable File Indexing on Windows XP

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