How do I Install Active-X?
ActiveX refers to a type of technologies that allow several software components to interact with others in a networked environment.
The general rule about installing ActiveX controls, which are also known as add-ons, is that anyone should be cautious about installing these, primarily because they present a security risk.
But ActiveX controls also enhance web browsing, and some websites or some tasks may require them. If those tasks are significant enough, then you might be hard pressed not to install the add-ons.
The point is that the decision here on whether to install or not should be based upon the need for these technologies. And even after considering that and then deciding that you will be better off installing the ActiveX controls, one must also consider whether the requirement to install ActiveX from a certain website was unusual or regular. If for instance, you have been required for the fist time to install, then you should be even more circumspect. Also, it may be a bad idea to install ActiveX if you have misgivings about the website or the publisher of the control. And the other consideration would be whether the website offering the file is also providing adequate information as to the function of the control along with any other details about the add-on that you might want to know. Lack of such information presents unacceptable risk and the add-on should not be installed.
When it comes down to installing, make sure that the add-on is packaged as an Installer Package (usually in an .msi file) which can be created by employing the Visual Studio Installer.
Here is how to create an Installation Package;
1. The control is first added to the Visual Installer Package by clicking “Add Files” on the menu for “Projects” and then adds the control to the project.
2. Find out the Class Identifier, or CLSID. This is done by using the OLE vie tool which accompanies Microsoft’s Visual Studio. Alternatively, the CLSID can be looked up in the registry.
3. Under the “Projects”, access the “Target Machine/Associations” portion of the project.
4. Add the Class Identifier to the “COM Object”.
5. Go to the “Type Libraries” and add the control type library ID.
6. Add any additional files and registry entries as it is necessary by using a visual installer.
7. Place the .msi file onto the network.
The newly created .msi file needs to be “introduced” to the Active directory. The next step would be to publish the control, after which it can be seen in the add/remove programs section on the Organization Unit (OU). Once that is accomplished, set up a registry entry on Windows that will make the Internet Explorer look up the Active Directory for the Installation Package. The control is installed when the user visits a Web page that contains the control. This method of installing ActiveX works regardless of what the code base refers to. Most web pages which use ActiveX already have a code base that is static. This method is designed to work in any environment, with no changes needed on either the code base itself or even the webpage. This method is especially appropriate for Windows Internet Explorer 5.01 used together with Microsoft Windows 2000 Standard Edition, or Microsoft Internet Explorer (Programming) 5.01 SP1, when used with Microsoft Windows 2000 Standard Edition and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.5, when used with Microsoft Windows 2000 Standard Edition.