How to 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.

Method 1
Method 1 of 2:

Adjust Active X Settings in Internet Explorer

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    Open a new session of Internet Explorer.
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    Click on "Tools" in the menu bar, and select "Internet Options."
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    Click on the tab labeled "Security."
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    Click on the button labeled "Custom level."
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    Scroll down through the list of settings until you locate "ActiveX controls and plug-ins."
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    Select "Enable" next to "Automatic prompting for ActiveX controls."
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    Select "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Download signed ActiveX controls."
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    Choose "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins."
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    Click "Enable" or "Prompt" next to "Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting."
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    Click on "OK" to save your security settings.
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    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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 2:

Installing Active X on Websites

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    Navigate to the website that requires you to install an Active X control.
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    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.
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    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.
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    Accept and run the Active X installation only if you have verified that it is being provided by a trusted and reputable source.
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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.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
  • 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.
    ⧼thumbs_response⧽
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References

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

About This Article

wikiHow is a “wiki,” similar to Wikipedia, which means that many of our articles are co-written by multiple authors. To create this article, volunteer authors worked to edit and improve it over time. This article has been viewed 155,167 times.
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Co-authors: 3
Updated: March 29, 2019
Views: 155,167
Categories: XP Instructions
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