I tried to download Javascript and I am getting error that ActiveX is not functioning. Where do I get ActiveX or is part of my system that is not working?

Enable Javascript

In order to view content written in Javascript, you must enable your computer’s Web browser to do so, so let’s start there before moving on to ActiveX. Go into Internet Explorer and click Tools > Internet Options. Click the Security tab and then click the globe. Choose Custom Level and find the Scripting section. Find Active Scripting and choose Enable. If you use a different Web browser, view this article about enabling Javascript for more details.

What is ActiveX?

ActiveX is indeed a part of your Windows operating system. ActiveX controls are like small chunks of code that are shared between Microsoft programs. For example, if you are using Internet Explorer and encounter a Web site that contains .wmv video files, a built-in ActiveX control pulls up the code for Windows Media Player and plays the file directly in the Web browser. Similarly, an ActiveX control is responsible for playing Flash within the Web browser rather than launching the Flash Player directly.

ActiveX Settings

ActiveX is often restricted by default in Internet Explorer due to security issues. Viruses and Trojans have tricked users into installing them by posing as legitimate ActiveX controls. Of course, they weren’t legitimate. To protect against such intruders, several layers of security have been implemented. You may need to adjust your security settings to get the ActiveX control that you need working properly.

Again, you will go into Internet Options and click the Security tab. Click Customize and find the ActiveX control section. Look for “Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins.” Is it disabled? If so choose “prompt” or “enable.” There are other ActiveX options, but this is the one that is most likely blocking your installation. Be careful about enabling any of the options for “unsafe” or “unsigned” ActiveX controls. When in doubt, go for “prompt” instead of “enable.” By choosing “prompt” you will be notified on a case-by-case basis about whether or not to run the script.

Celeste Stewart | June 8th, 2009
Tags: ActiveX, activex failure
Categories: Web Browsers

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