How to Make Firefox Think it Is IE Active X?

ActiveX controls are used for certain tasks, including installing updates through the browser.

One way to make Firefox work like Internet Explorer is by installing a plugin. Plugins are extras that add functionality, and in this case, the plugin allows you to see how IE would appear in Firefox. For example, the Windows Update page at Microsoft.com would display a message prompting you to download the required ActiveX controls to continue. In addition, you will know which browser is active by looking at the icon in the bottom right corner.

Instructions

1. Click "Tools," "Add-ons" and enter "IE Tab" into the search box.

2. Press "Enter" and locate "IE Tab V2" in the list.

3. Click "Install" and wait for it to download. If your version of Firefox is 3.6 or below, download "IE Tab" instead, as the latest version is incompatible with older versions of Firefox.

4. Click "Restart Now." Firefox will shut down and reopen automatically.

5. Left-click the red and blue Firefox icon in the bottom right corner. The current page refreshes and the icon changes into an IE icon. Subsequent pages and ActiveX controls will default to IE until you switch it back by left-clicking.

Tips & Warnings

• Click "Help," "About Firefox" to see which version you have.

References

• Microsoft: What is an ActiveX Control?
• Firefox Help: ActiveX

Resources

• IETab.net: IE Tab for Chrome and Firefox
• Firefox: Make it Work: Plugins