Learn More About the Most Common ActiveX Problems



Microsoft designed ActiveX in order to create recyclable application elements that include distinct features, such as permitting users to insert certain programs using Object Linking and Embedding. This technology distributes data across different programs, which allows programmers to easily design control sets and distribute a variety of functions via a single host structure.

ActiveX has become extremely widespread online. Its popularity is due to the different features it enables. It allows websites to provide multimedia content to visitors that they can watch in their web browser instead of having to download it. It's an incredible piece of technology but, of course, it's not without its drawbacks.

As with anything that becomes extremely popular online, it quickly became the target of virus programmers. Malware, for example, targets ActiveX in order to gain access to and control of your system. Once ActiveX controls are installed on a computer, the rights to its use are not transferable. In other words, the administrator who installed it is the only person who has access to the controls. If someone else logs in to use the computer, their rights to the ActiveX controls are limited. Malware takes advantage of this, seizing control for its own and using that power to attack your computer. And not only that, it can also permeate other computers on your network.

One way to avoid the issue of viruses threatening you via ActiveX is to avoid Internet browsers that support ActiveX. No ActiveX, no viruses. Two such browsers are Mozilla Firefox and Netscape Navigator, which is no longer supported by its developers. If you're attached to Internet Explorer and don't want to change, you can follow the instructions below that outline how to reconfigure your Internet settings to avoid ActiveX malware intrusions:

Step 1:
Set up a firewall. Adjust its settings to ensure that only supported ActiveX controls are permitted.

Step 2:
Turn on your "alerts" so that if ActiveX tries to install you will get a notification.

Step 3:
You also need to make sure that you have the latest version of Internet Explorer.

Step 4:
If your email program currently downloads attachments automatically you should disable this immediately.

Step 5:
Download and install a reliable Windows Database cleaner. This will scan your computer's registry and eliminate damaged files.

Step 6:
Make sure that you have a good anti-virus and/or anti-spyware program installed on your computer and use it on a regular basis.

If you plan on installing ActiveX controls you should know what you're doing and whom you're downloading the controls from. Only acquire ActiveX controls from recommended developers.

And finally, sometimes your computer will restrict ActiveX controls being installed on your computer despite the fact that you allowed them. If this happens, inaccurate web pages will load. This is an easy problem to avoid, however. Just follow the instructions below:

  1. Select the "Start" menu and then select "Run"
  2. A text box will appear. Type in REGEDIT and then hit "Enter"
  3. Select HKEY_CURRENT_USER and then select "Software"
  4. Open "Microsoft Windows" and then choose "Current Version"
  5. Choose "Internet Settings", then "Zones" and then 0
  6. Find the entry called 1200 and select it. Modify this to 0
  7. Now complete those same steps again but for the entry:
    HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\ Software\ Microsoft\ Windows\ CurrentVersion\ InternetSettings\ Zones\ 0
  8. Exit and reboot your computer.
 

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