How to Fix Active X Problems

ActiveX controls increase your productivity by taking applets from various programs--spell-checker in Microsoft Word, for example--and plugs them in for use in other programs. But ActiveX is also a breeding ground for malware and other security-compromising programs, and in order to get the best of it without the worst, there are some precautionary steps you should take.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Anti-virus software (including a firewall)
• Registry cleanup software

1. Install a firewall and configure it to allow only approved ActiveX programs access to your computer.

2. Configure your Web browser to alert you when unauthorized ActiveX programs seek access to your computer.

3. Check your email application and make sure unwanted programs won't automatically begin download without your approval.

4. Use a registry cleanup scanner for routine checks of your PC's registry, including ActiveX files that may be housing malware (see Resources).

5. Set your anti-virus software to periodically scan your computer for malware, allowing it to quarantine and delete affected ActiveX files.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are concerned about malware infecting your computer, consider a Web browser that does not support ActiveX, such as Netscape or Firefox (see Resources).

References

• SurfTheNetSafely.com
• Internet-Registry-Fixes.org

Resources

• RegCure Registry Cleanup
• Firefox Web Browser