How to Fix ActiveX If You Don't Get the Yellow Bar Under the Address

All ActiveX controls require at least some direct access to your computer to allow viewing or user interaction. Because of this, ActiveX software bares some security risks. Due to the security implications of a malicious ActiveX control, some security applications will disable them all together. By default, Microsoft sets your browser to prompt you for signed ActiveX controls. This means controls that have a digital verification signature will display a prompt on your screen to allow your permission for use and unsigned controls are denied. If you are not able to use any ActiveX controls, you will need to turn this behavior back to its default value.

Instructions

1. Press the "Windows" key. Type "Inetcpl.cpl" in the Search box and press "Enter." This opens an Internet Explorer Properties window.

2. Click the "Security" tab. This tab displays a list of zones and a set of security settings for each.

3. Click the "Internet" zone. Look at the security level section. The default level for the Internet zone is "Medium-high." If the zone is set higher than this, the ActiveX prompts will be disabled. You can click the "Default Level" and "Apply" buttons to restore the defaults. Alternatively, click the "Custom Level" button if you wish to keep your current settings and only enable ActiveX prompting. This opens a second properties window on your screen.

4. Scroll down to the "ActiveX Controls and Plug-ins" section. This section contains all browser settings related to ActiveX security. Find the "Download Signed ActiveX Controls" option in this section.

5. Change from "Disable" to "Prompt (recommended)" to restore the yellow information bar. Click the "OK" button. Click the "Yes" button on the confirmation dialog. This takes you back to the main properties window. Click the "Apply" button at the bottom to save and close.

References

• Microsoft Support: How to use Security Zones in Internet Explorer