How to Allow ActiveX in Internet Explorer 8

Set Internet Explorer 8 to allow ActiveX.

By default, Internet Explorer 8 will prompt you when a website needs to install an ActiveX utility in order to display or operate correctly. However, some security software applications change the settings within Internet Explorer, causing all ActiveX to be blocked. Fortunately, Internet Explorer 8 allows you to manually adjust the ActiveX security settings.

Instructions

1. Open Internet Explorer.

2. Click on “Tools,” then on “Internet Options.”

3. Click on the “Security" tab.

4. Click the “Custom Level” button.

5. Scroll down to “Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins.” The default for this value is “Enable.” There are other ActiveX settings within this dialog. If you find that ActiveX is still not launching on trusted sites, press the “Reset” button to restore all advanced settings, including ActiveX, back to their default values and then restart the browser. See Tips if you are still having issues.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are still having issues with ActiveX on a website, the website likely has an unsigned ActiveX certificate. If you are certain the site is trusted, you can change the setting labeled "Download Unsigned ActiveX Controls" to "Prompt."

References

• Microsoft: Change Internet Explorer Security Settings
• Microsoft MSDN: ActiveX Security
• Microsoft: How to reset Internet Explorer settings