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Support > How to fix ActiveX errors

ActiveX is a plug-in that is an extension to Microsoft OLE technology and COM technology. This plug-in is typically used in applications and on the internet. ActiveX allows interactive applications over the internet such as an online scan for viruses using a web browser.

In many cases, ActiveX applications are malicious which is why you should restrict ActiveX programs from automatically being run.

1.   To do this, open Internet Explorer and choose Tools, then choose Internet Options. Click on the Security tab and click on the button that says Custom Level.

2.   Scroll down to the Active-X section and mark "Prompt" under all the options given except for the settings marked "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins" and "Script Active X controls marked safe for scripting". These should be set to "enable". This means that you will be prompted before a questionable ActiveX file is installed giving you greater control over your system. In addition, these settings may solve your ActiveX error.

Another step you can take to solve Active-X errors involves resetting a system file which may be mis - configured.

1.      Go to the Start button

2.      Choose Run

3.      Type in: regsvr32 msxml3.dll

4.      Click OK

5.      Click OK again when prompted

6.      Close all browser windows and reopen

Some ActiveX errors are specifically related to software that has been uninstalled. This is due to the fact that in operating systems before Microsoft Windows 2000, there weren't any systems in place to prevent third party applications from removing and replacing critical DLL files. If your Active-X error is related to a missing DLL, reinstalling the appropriate program will take care of it.

For example, if you remove Microsoft Access on a pre-Windows 2000 machine, you may see an error such as:
Microsoft VBScript runtime (0x800A01AD)
ActiveX component can't create object: <progid>

This is because when removing Access, you also removed critical DLLs needed elsewhere. Solving that particular error is a simple matter of reinstalling the Microsoft Data Access Components.

If you have a specific error such the one described above:

1.   Try a general internet search using a major search engine such as Google by entering in the exact error phrase and code. You'll have a huge resource at your fingertips that deals exclusively with the exact error you are receiving.

2.   Another good resource for finding out how to fix specific errors is the Microsoft knowledge base. Go to the Microsoft website and search the knowledge base by entering the exact error that is generated. A list of all documents that deal with that error will display. If Microsoft has a solution, you can find it here.

Support > How to fix ActiveX errors