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Active X is a popular and growing collection of utilities that aid in performing a number of Internet and computer tasks. The name was first coined by Active X's creator, Microsoft Corporation, but today has expanded to include a wealth of third-party tools and controls that have been designed for compatibility with Internet Explorer (IE) and many other software programs, applications and websites as well. Popular websites such as Twitter and Facebook, many streaming video and audio tools and programs, chat rooms, gaming and video programs, and other well-used applications depend on Active X controls to work properly. You will know when an Active X control is missing or fails to work properly, because your computer will issue an error message, or prompt you to upgrade or download and enable a new Active X control.

Because use of and dependency on Active X is so widespread today, when an Active X control stops working properly, or comes up missing, it can cause all kinds of issues with web and computer functionality. The web is full of queries from desperate amateur users asking "how to fix Active X", an issue that can be exacerbated if that individual has downloaded an "unsigned" or unverifiable Active X tool from the internet. To be safe, be sure before you download an Active X tool or plug-in that it is listed as signed (i.e., recognized by Microsoft Corporation and approved for use). If you fail to take this critical step, you risk becoming vulnerable to hackers and spammers, as well as opening yourself up to issues with non-functioning software and web pages.

How to Fix the Active X Control

Because there are so many different reasons why an Active X control can fail, the easiest way to fix Active X controls that have stopped working is to simply uninstall and then reinstall them. This can be a bit problematic if you uninstall it before you note down its name, because the only way to reinstall it will be to either visit the original source website to re-obtain it, or to visit Microsoft's website and search for it there. So be sure to write down its name before you follow the steps below.

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

1. Write down the name of the problematic Active X control
2. Open your Internet Explorer (IE) browser (NOTE: If you do not use IE, this step may be more challenging, as Active X was designed by Microsoft to be compatible only with IE)
3. Click on the "Tools" menu bar tab
4. Click on "Manage Add-Ons"
5. Search for the name of the non-functioning Active X control
6. Click on it to delete (uninstall) it
7. Now, visit the original website where you downloaded the Active X control from, re-download it, and install a fresh copy on your computer
8. An alternate option is to visit Microsoft's website and search for the Active X tool there by name, after which you can download and install it directly from the Microsoft site

Follow these steps and you should have Active X running properly in no time. Fixing your Active X doesn't have to be a difficult task and with the simple directions outlined for you above, you can get back to business as usual without the stress.

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