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Active X in a Nutshell

The Active X program is the name for a set of plug-ins originally developed by Microsoft Corporation that allows software programs and websites to increase their functionality. While the presence (or absence) of Active X controls may be most readily apparent when it comes to streaming video or audio, gaming programs, chat rooms, or real-time social media applications, regardless of what you are doing on your machine, there is a high percentage of likelihood that Active X will at some point be involved.

For the most part, these controls are both non-invasive and non-threatening. Where these controls can become problematic is when they are "unsigned", which basically means that your computer does not recognize the control itself or its creator, or both. "Signed" Active X plug-ins and controls are ones that were originally created by or are recognized and approved by Microsoft Corporation. Here, it can be very useful to know how to "unblock" (or allow to run) individual Active X features as your desired level of computer and internet security may dictate.

How to Unblock Active X Controls

You can choose to unblock all controls at once, or to unblock only certain controls. You have two options for unblocking controls. The "Enable" option will allow the control to run uninterruptedly as needed. The "Prompt" option will allow you to decide in each specific case whether to allow the control to run or not. From time to time you may also receive computer prompts that let you know that a new Active X control is available, or that you are missing a needed Active X control. Here, you can decide each time whether to trust, download and activate that specific control or not.

Here are the steps to take to unblock Active X on your computer:

1. To begin, open your Internet Explorer (IE) browser
2. Next, find the "Tools" tab in the menu bar that runs across the very top of your main computer screen
3. Under the drop-down menu, you will see a choice labeled "Internet Options"
4. Once inside "Internet Options", click where you see the tab labeled "Security"
5. Next, move your cursor over the green globe labeled "Internet" and click on it
6. Find and click on the button labeled "Custom level..."
7. From here, begin to review each Active X module option, choosing from amongst three radio buttons labeled "Enable", "Prompt" or "Disable" (keep in mind that the "Prompt" option is a form of "Enable" that allows you to decide in the moment whether to allow or disallow a specific control to run)
8. Before you exit out of "Security Settings", click on "OK" to save your changes
9. Depending on the version of Internet Explorer you are using, you will be prompted to close and reopen your browser window or to reboot your computer before your Active X changes will take effect
10. You can then return and repeat this process with each zone in turn ("Local Intranet", Trusted Sites", "Restricted Sites") and even block or unblock Active X for specific web pages if desired
11. As you are prompted to add new Active X modules to your operating system, you may need to block or unblock components a second time. You will be prompted when a new component is available or needed, along with a message to "Allow Blocked Content" as well as a resource link

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