How to Install an ActiveX Control on Windows XP

You should take care when installing ActiveX controls.

ActiveX controls are programming language codes designed specifically for the Windows operating system and the Internet Explorer browser to display animation and other interactive data on a website. Similar to DLL, ActiveX controls are interchangeably used by the applications that require a specific part of a programming code that can be "borrowed" from ActiveX. You need to enable your browser to run ActiveX controls and then accept the download and installation when prompted by a website. However, keep in mind that ActiveX controls are one of the primary pathways for virus and spyware infection. This is why you should install ActiveX controls from trusted sources only.

Instructions

1. Open the Internet Explorer browser and click the "Tools" menu option.

2. Select "Internet Options" and click the "Security" tab.

3. Click the "Custom level..." button and then scroll down to the "ActiveX controls and plug-ins" section in the "Security Settings - Internet Zone" window.

4. Check the "Prompt" radio button under "Download signed ActiveX controls" and the "Enable" radio button under "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins."

5. Click on "OK" and then "OK" again to save the new settings.

6. Click on the "Install" button when prompted to accept an ActiveX control by a website, or click the "Information Bar" on top of the browser and select "Install ActiveX." The ActiveX control will be downloaded and installed automatically.

Tips & Warnings

• Always have an antivirus or an antispyware program, or both, activated before downloading an ActiveX control.

References

• Microsoft: What is an ActiveX Control?
• Microsoft: Internet Explorer Information Bar

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish