How to Install an ActiveX Control on a BlackBerry

When BlackBerry users connect to the Internet using their mobile device, there are occasions when they are asked to install ActiveX controls. The ActiveX controls allow a web developer to include media-rich content on a page without needing to take up a lot of space on the server. ActiveX is a program that is used only on Internet Explorer. Because a web developer could potentially upload a virus onto your BlackBerry using ActiveX, Internet Explorer will ask you if you want to install ActiveX controls anytime a website attempts to upload ActiveX to your BlackBerry.

Things You'll Need

• Internet access

Instructions

1. Click on the Internet Explorer icon on your Blackberry to open Internet Explorer. You must be in range of a Wi-Fi network or have 3G Internet access. Type in the URL of a Web site that uses ActiveX controls and click the trackball.

2. Notice a yellow banner at the top of the screen that appears when the webpage loads. The banner includes the text: "Internet Explorer stopped this site from installing ActiveX control." Click on the yellow bar to open the ActiveX permissions window.

3. Move your cursor to the first line of the next window that opens that reads "Install This Add-on for All Users of This Computer." After clicking this, a "User Account Control" window will open. The window will have two buttons: "Continue" and "Cancel." Select "Continue" to install the ActiveX control.

4. Use the webpage as you would use any other webpage. The ActiveX controls have been installed.

Tips & Warnings

• Installing ActiveX controls from a website that might be malicious could lead to you getting a virus on your BlackBerry.

References

• BlackBerry: DST Patch Loader
• 4guysfromrolla.com: Using ActiveX Controls on your Web Page

Resources

• C-sharpcorner.com: Writing an ActiveX Control in .NET
• Surfthenetsafely.com: ActiveX in Windows- What is it?