Fixing ActiveX errors by enabling ActiveX in your browser
Do you receive strange error messages when you're using Internet Explorer? Are you getting DLL or OCX errors when you're trying to load webpages in IE 5, IE 5.5, IE 6.0, or IE 7.0? Does your browser exhibit strange behavior? Read on to learn how to fix ActiveX errors manually.
All of these symptoms are caused by the same disease: ActiveX errors. ActiveX is a method Microsoft provides to web developers to give websites added functionality that you would normally only expect from a desktop application. ActiveX, however, is prone to bugs and errors just like any other programming method. ActiveX errors can cause your browser to crash or generate OCX and DLL errors.
Fixing ActiveX errors by enabling ActiveX in your browser
If you're having ActiveX errors, you should first make sure that ActiveX is enabled in your browser. To do this, open Internet Explorer and choose "Tools", then "Internet Options". Navigate to the "Security" tab, and press the "Custom Level" button. Ensure the following settings are reflected in your options:
- Download signed ActiveX controls: Prompt
- Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins: Enable
- Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting: Enable
In newer versions of Internet Explorer (versions 6.0 and newer), when you try to run an ActiveX control that you have not previously installed, a yellow bar will appear at the top of your browser. If you're at a trusted website, click the yellow bar and choose "Install ActiveX Control". This will install the ActiveX control and allow the website to function normally.
Repairing ActiveX errors by registering DLL/OCX files
If you're having an ActiveX error that specifically references a DLL or OCX file, try performing the following steps to re-register the DLL or OCX:
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Find the DLL or OCX file by searching for it.
- Choose "Start", then "Search"
- Select "All files and folders"
- Choose "More advanced options"
- Check the box marked "Search hidden files and folders"
- Enter the name of the missing DLL or OCX that's causing the error in the "All or part of the file name" box
- Press Search
- Note the location and full path of the file (e.g., C:\WINDOWS\system32\msctf.dll or C:\WINDOWS\system32\daxctle.ocx)
-
Use RegSvr32 to try to re-register the missing DLL or OCX.
- Choose "Start", then "Run"
- Enter "regsvr32 FullPathAndNameOfDLL", where FullPathAndNameOfDLL is the name and location of the DLL that you just found
- Press Enter, and confirm
- Restart your computer
- Re-visit the website that was causing the ActiveX DLL or OCX error and note any differences in behavior
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