How to Install ActiveX Controls on Windows XP

2025 Author: Samantha Chapman | [email protected]. Last modified: 2025-01-24 13:28

While browsing the Internet with Internet Explorer, some websites may require you to download or install ActiveX controls to use or view certain types of online content. ActiveX controls can be installed as appropriate when visiting certain websites, or managed via the Internet Options menu in Internet Explorer. Follow these steps to securely install ActiveX controls from trusted websites, and change the current ActiveX settings and preferences in Windows XP.

Steps

Method 1 of 2: Change the ActiveX Settings in Internet Explorer

Step 1. Open a new session of Internet Explorer

Step 2. Click on "Tools" in the menu bar and select "Internet Options"

Step 3. Click on the "Security" tab

Step 4. Click on the "Custom Level" button

Step 5. Scroll through the list of settings until you find "ActiveX controls and plug-ins"

Step 6. Select "Enable" next to "Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls"

Step 7. Select "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Download signed ActiveX controls"

Step 8. Choose "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins"

Step 9. Click "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Script ActiveX Controls Marked Safe for Scripting"

Step 10. Click "OK" to save the security settings

Step 11. Click "OK" to close "Internet Options"

Internet Explorer can now allow the installation of ActiveX controls when visiting certain websites.

Method 2 of 2: Install Active X on the Websites

Step 1. Go to the site that prompts you to install an ActiveX control

Step 2. Read the description explaining why you need to install the ActiveX control

Trusted and trusted sites will give you a detailed explanation of why you need to install an ActiveX control to use the website. For example, a trusted video site may require you to download ActiveX for viewing videos.

Step 3. Verify that the ActiveX control is indeed published and provided by the website in question

For example, if wikiHow prompts you to install an ActiveX control, verify that the description indicates WikiHow as the author and provider of the control.

Step 4. Accept and run the ActiveX installation only if you have verified that it is provided by a trustworthy and reputable source

Advice

When changing ActiveX control settings in Internet Explorer, select "Prompt" instead of "Enable". The required option will allow you to review more information about the ActiveX control before accepting the installation.
Contact the site owner directly if an ActiveX control looks suspicious, or if you are prompted to install an ActiveX control on that site. Some reputable websites may be under attack by third parties with malicious intent.

Warnings

Do not accept or install ActiveX controls from untrusted authors and websites. When installed and downloaded, ActiveX controls can sometimes contain viruses or spyware that are harmful to your computer.
Do not accept or run ActiveX controls without descriptions of what they can do once installed. Good and reliable ActiveX controls will always give you detailed explanations about their usefulness.

Recommended:

How to Install the Linux Operating System on a Flash Drive and Install Portable Versions of your Favorite Programs

Have you ever thought about doing something more advanced with your flash drive instead of the usual copy and paste files? How do you make your breakfast, take the dog out or do your homework? Well… it's not possible !! However, you can install a portable operating system that can run on any computer in any location.

3 Ways to Bypass Parental Controls on a Mac

Finding parental controls on your Mac OS X can be a real disappointment. Fortunately, there are a few ways to get around this setting. Steps Method 1 of 3: Disable Parental Control with Administrator Access Step 1. Log in with an administrator account It's easy to disable parental controls on an OS X account, directly from the profile that enabled it, or with another user with administrator rights.

How to Configure Controls on the PCSX2 Emulator

You can use the PCSX2 emulator to play PlayStation 2 games on your computer. To configure the input device after installation, you can choose between the LilyPad and Pokopom plugins, which allow you to customize the control scheme. LilyPad supports mouse and keyboard inputs, as opposed to Pokopom, which only supports controllers (but offers advanced features like pressure sensitivity).

3 Ways to Prepare Your Baggage to Quickly Go through Airport Controls

Security checks at airports can be time consuming, especially if your baggage is poorly prepared. To avoid searches and pass checks quickly and efficiently, carefully consider what you need to bring and what is not; place the items that are least likely to be inspected at the bottom of the suitcase and the computer and liquids on top;

How to Install Windows Mail and Windows Calendar on Windows 7

Windows Mail, the email client, and Windows Calendar are both part of the Windows Vista software suite. These programs, however, were not included on Windows 7. Although there is indeed a Windows Mail folder in Windows 7, it is not active. There is a way to re-enable Windows Mail and Windows Calendar on Windows 7, read on to find out.