ActiveX's won't download in IE (no Info bar)

Robert Aldwinckle · External Since: Jun 28, 2004 Posts: 4408

"Lars-Erik Østerud" <.@.> wrote in message
news:8ynlf.1857$zc1.1059@amstwist00
....
> Non-working-PC: All Security setting set to "Prompt", except
> "Automatic prompting for ActiveX" which is set to "Disable".
>
> URL:
> http://www.zonelabs.com/store/content/promotions/spywarescanner/scanne...sp?dc=1
....
> There is no Info Bar, just the error messge from the page
> that the ActiveX was not downloaded.

Very good. I understand your problem symptom much more clearly now.

Did you also try my suggestion to trace .dll accesses using FileMon?

In fact, what I just did was trace all iexplore entries and highlighted .dll
entries. This gives clear evidence of when the Information bar is shown
by this entry:

0.00594433 iexplore.exe:3576 QUERY INFORMATION F:\WINDOWS\media\Windows XP Information Bar.wav SUCCESS Attributes: N

and just before that I saw (highlighted) lines such as:

0.00949478 iexplore.exe:3576 READ F:\WINDOWS\system32\xpsp2res.dll SUCCESS Offset: 2687488 Length: 16384
0.01665882 iexplore.exe:3576 READ F:\WINDOWS\system32\ieframe.dll SUCCESS Offset: 2536960 Length: 16384

DependencyWalker shows that ieframe.dll has both entry points
DllRegisterServer and DllInstall. So you could try

regsvr32 /i ieframe.dll

to see if some bits in the registry need refreshing for its use.

The trace shows other .dlls being accessed in the same breakpoint.
What I would do with them is at least check that you are using the
same versions on both machines.

Other than that I hope you can get some more clues by comparing
FileMon and RegMon traces of your two cases. BTW I find it useful
to wait at least 5 seconds between prompts and after all trace activity
has subsided. E.g. that way I can record which sets of lines each
breakpoint contains. Etc.

Good luck

Robert
---

pabearmvp · External Since: Nov 18, 2004 Posts: 9491

Lars-Erik Østerud wrote:
> Strange, maybe my newsserver missed that. I try and see.
<snip>

Use the MS newsserver instead to access the MS newsgroups, Lars-Erik: No
subscription/password, messages appear within minutes and are kept available
on the server for a minimum of 90 days. Many other servers infrequently
sync with the MS server and remove messages after 24 hours or less.
--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
MS MVP-Windows (IE/OE, Shell/User, Security), Aumha.org VSOP, DTS-L.org

Lars-Erik sterud · External Since: May 09, 2004 Posts: 64

Robert Aldwinckle:

> Did you also try my suggestion to trace .dll accesses using FileMon?

Do you have a link to that again, then I'll try on both system to see.

> 0.00949478 iexplore.exe:3576 READ F:\WINDOWS\system32\xpsp2res.dll SUCCESS Offset: 2687488 Length: 16384
> 0.01665882 iexplore.exe:3576 READ F:\WINDOWS\system32\ieframe.dll SUCCESS Offset: 2536960 Length: 16384
>
> DependencyWalker shows that ieframe.dll has both entry points
> DllRegisterServer and DllInstall. So you could try
>
> regsvr32 /i ieframe.dll
>
> to see if some bits in the registry need refreshing for its use.

I could try regsvr32 on all DLL's you suggest Smile

--
Lars-Erik - http://home.chello.no/~larse/ - ICQ 7297605

Lars-Erik sterud · External Since: May 09, 2004 Posts: 64

Robert Aldwinckle:

> regsvr32 /i ieframe.dll

This file is not on the disk on neihter the working nor the
non-working Smile

Tried regsvr32 on all other "ie*.dll" files

That disn't help. So I'll try to scan more later...
--
Lars-Erik - http://home.chello.no/~larse/ - ICQ 7297605

Robert Aldwinckle · External Since: Jun 28, 2004 Posts: 4408

"Lars-Erik Østerud" <.@.> wrote in message
news:FBDlf.1884$zc1.1769@amstwist00...
> Robert Aldwinckle:
>
>> regsvr32 /i ieframe.dll
>
> This file is not on the disk on neihter the working nor the
> non-working Smile

Tried regsvr32 on all other "ie*.dll" files
>
> That disn't help. So I'll try to scan more later...

Oops. I'm actually using IE7b1 and didn't realize that that must be
a new module.

Perhaps somebody else who is using IE6sp2 can help you using
the same technique.

BTW in case you haven't found it yet FileMon is freeware from
SysInternals.

Good luck

Robert
---

trf · External Since: Dec 08, 2005 Posts: 1

i have the same problem infobar does not pop-up to load activex i have tryd
everthing u have let me no if u get it fixed

"Lars-Erik Xsterud" wrote:

> Robert Aldwinckle:
>
> > regsvr32 /i ieframe.dll
>
> This file is not on the disk on neihter the working nor the
> non-working Smile

Tried regsvr32 on all other "ie*.dll" files
>
> That disn't help. So I'll try to scan more later...
> --
> Lars-Erik - http://home.chello.no/~larse/ - ICQ 7297605
>

Alan · External Since: Nov 14, 2005 Posts: 123

I have read through all the posts on this and so far I have seen no mention
of the additional "Kill Bit" elements in MS05-052. Buried in the text of
this bulletin is a list of dll files that have the CLSD Kill Bit modified in
the registry. This is over and above what is carried out in MS05-038. It may
be worth checking to see if any entry is corrupt and not restored to its old
value when uninstalling MS05-052.
I don't profess to fully understand what the Kill Bit does. However, looking
at KB909889 and 909738 does make interesting reading and may help.
I am not saying that this may cure your problems but I don't think anyone
has mentioned this before, so I thought I would raise it just in case.
Alan
"Lars-Erik Østerud" <.@.> wrote in message
news:Mb1lf.1795$zc1.1778@amstwist00...
> PA Bear:
>
> > ActiveX controls may not load as expected in Internet Explorer due to
> > defense in depth changes introduced in cumulative security update 896688
> > (MS05-052): http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=909889
>
> Problem is not loading them. If I copy from a PC that downloads
> ActivX'es they work (had to do this with WindowsUpdate to make it
> work). Problem is when accessing a web-site where a new ActiveX should
> be downloaded. It is not. I don't even think it tries. Even when the
> site is in "Trusted" and all settings lowered it doesn't get it Sad

>
> And I find no policies or registry entries (have checked all I know of
> that can restrict download, and compared to the working system).
>
> Also have tried all patches suggesten here and from Microsoft Norway.
>
> (of, if only someone had a list of DLLs and regsitry entries that are
> used in the process of downloading ActiveX, but not even Microsoft
> sould get that they said - but obviously someone must know this Smile

> --
> Lars-Erik - http://home.chello.no/~larse/ - ICQ 7297605

Lars-Erik sterud · External Since: May 09, 2004 Posts: 64

PA Bear:

> Use the MS newsserver instead to access the MS newsgroups, Lars-Erik: No
> subscription/password, messages appear within minutes and are kept available

I use both, poll both my local and MS server (Agent 3.1 can do that
now, jippi Smile

--
Lars-Erik - http://home.chello.no/~larse/ - ICQ 7297605

wtf · External Since: Dec 16, 2005 Posts: 1

Hi,

did anyone already suggest this:
- Log on to your machine as Administrator and chose as domain your
local machine. DO NOT chose your enterprise domain!
- Visit the website in question and see if that changes anything
- Also make sure, that the domain administrators password and the
password for your local machine's administrators account match

regards
H. Eberhard
B&E Consulting
Germany

NathanSm · External Since: Dec 28, 2005 Posts: 1

Open notepad. paste the following into it:

REGEDIT4

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0000031A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}]
@="ClassMoniker"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0000031A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\InprocServer32]
@="ole32.dll"

[HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{0000031A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}\ProgID]
@="clsid"

[HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Classes\CLSID\CLSID]
@="{0000031A-0000-0000-C000-000000000046}"

then click File > Save As...
In the Save in: dropdownn box, select your desktop.
Name the file repair_kb896688.reg
and choose the Save as type: to be All Files.

Close notepad and then navigate to your desktop. Double click the file and
allow the information to be added to your registry.

We have been forced to deploy this on almost every computer in our network.
Without these regedits active x doesn't seem to work almost everywhere.
Windows update doesn't work, OWA doesn't work, control panel doesn't work
etc....

As with all registry edits...the standard warnings apply...don't do it if
you have no idea what you are doing, always make a backup etc....

"Lars-Erik Xsterud" wrote:

> > > Re: http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/Q_21631785.html
> >
> > Does it have to do with if your are redirected from somewere.
> > Try to view the articles at these two URLs now w/o luck:
> >
> > http://www.experts-exchange.com/Operating_Systems/WinXP/Q_21312972.html
> > http://www.experts-exchange.com/Web/Q_21592102.html
> >
> > (maybe I clear all caches and cookies and try them after that Smile

>
> That worked for all of them, BUT none of the fixes there helped
> either. Even tried adding the server with the ActiveX to the Trusted
> Zone (then the Information Bar should not appear at all, right) but
> the message still says that "Could not install ActiveX" Sad

>
> And no matter what I do (reregistering DLLs, checking registry
> settings, changing security setting, group settings etc) I still can't
> get that Information Bar to show when an ActiveX is to be downloaded
> (but since it is not downloaded with zone=Trusted I guess the
> Information bar is not the problem - ActiveX is blocked otherwhere)
>
> On tip mentioned a "XP repair install" but how big a mess-up is that
> (will much of my system look, setup etc by reset to standard XP)?
>
> And how do I initiate a repair install...
>
> Added "microsoft.public.windowsupdate" to the list, since I have
> noticed that most people get into this error when using Windows Update
> (because they then can't install and run MS own update ActiveX Smile

> --
> Lars-Erik - http://home.chello.no/~larse/ - ICQ 7297605
> WinXP, Asus P4PE, 2.53 GHz, Asus V8420 (Ti4200), SB-Live!
>

caps620 · External Since: Apr 22, 2006 Posts: 1

Was this problem resolved? I have the same but I did not see a resolution or
if anything ever worked.

"Lars-Erik Xsterud" wrote:

> PA Bear:
>
> > ActiveX controls may not load as expected in Internet Explorer due to
> > defense in depth changes introduced in cumulative security update 896688
> > (MS05-052): http://support.microsoft.com/Default.aspx?kbid=909889
>
> Problem is not loading them. If I copy from a PC that downloads
> ActivX'es they work (had to do this with WindowsUpdate to make it
> work). Problem is when accessing a web-site where a new ActiveX should
> be downloaded. It is not. I don't even think it tries. Even when the
> site is in "Trusted" and all settings lowered it doesn't get it Sad

>
> And I find no policies or registry entries (have checked all I know of
> that can restrict download, and compared to the working system).
>
> Also have tried all patches suggesten here and from Microsoft Norway.
>
> (of, if only someone had a list of DLLs and regsitry entries that are
> used in the process of downloading ActiveX, but not even Microsoft
> sould get that they said - but obviously someone must know this Smile

> --
> Lars-Erik - http://home.chello.no/~larse/ - ICQ 7297605
>

wyrenth · External Since: Apr 24, 2006 Posts: 1

I am also suffering this problem.

OS: Windows 98 SE
Browser: IE SP1 6.0.2800.1106

When I go to a page that tries to install an ActiveX component, the
component downloads (the browser requests the file) but does not
install. I get no security warning asking me if I wish to install, and
like you, all of my security settings are set to Prompt or Allow.

At first, I didn't realize this was a problem, and it first cropped up
while trying to install Flash 8 after a fresh install of Windows. Flash
wouldn't install using the website. Fortunately, they had a manual EXE
installer.

Later on, I had to install the MSN Music Assistant to re-acquire the
licenses to purchased music. It wouldn't install.

Microsoft's MSN Music people tried to help, but without success, and
eventually foisted me off onto a pay-to-call service. I can't afford
that (does MS think everyone is made of money or something?) so I'm
looking online for help.

I tried the ActiveX Compatibility Manager noted earlier in this thread,
but though a number of entries are disabled, the two I thought looked
most promising (ActiveX Plugin and ActiveX Upload Manager) didn't help
once enabled.

I have no idea what to try now. I'm also interested as to whether this
got resolved.

-Wyrenth

zorax2 · External Since: May 03, 2006 Posts: 5

I've got the same problem. I tried a clean install of Win 98 and Win 98SE
and continue to have the exact problem described. I've tried everything and
can't get ActiveX to download programs properly. Help please!!!

"wyrenth@gmail.com" wrote:

> I am also suffering this problem.
>
> OS: Windows 98 SE
> Browser: IE SP1 6.0.2800.1106
>
> When I go to a page that tries to install an ActiveX component, the
> component downloads (the browser requests the file) but does not
> install. I get no security warning asking me if I wish to install, and
> like you, all of my security settings are set to Prompt or Allow.
>
> At first, I didn't realize this was a problem, and it first cropped up
> while trying to install Flash 8 after a fresh install of Windows. Flash
> wouldn't install using the website. Fortunately, they had a manual EXE
> installer.
>
> Later on, I had to install the MSN Music Assistant to re-acquire the
> licenses to purchased music. It wouldn't install.
>
> Microsoft's MSN Music people tried to help, but without success, and
> eventually foisted me off onto a pay-to-call service. I can't afford
> that (does MS think everyone is made of money or something?) so I'm
> looking online for help.
>
> I tried the ActiveX Compatibility Manager noted earlier in this thread,
> but though a number of entries are disabled, the two I thought looked
> most promising (ActiveX Plugin and ActiveX Upload Manager) didn't help
> once enabled.
>
> I have no idea what to try now. I'm also interested as to whether this
> got resolved.
>
> -Wyrenth
>
>

Wyrenth · External Since: May 04, 2006 Posts: 2

Hmm, if a reinstall of the OS doesn't fix it, I wonder if maybe one of
Microsoft's updates from the Windows Update site is to blame?

-Wyrenth

zorax2 · External Since: May 03, 2006 Posts: 5

I did complete "fresh installs" of both Win 98 and Win 98 SE and used Windows
Update to download the patches. I had no other anti-virus or other software
running. There is nothing that should have interfered with this.

I've tried the registry fix identified in KB909889, add sites to trusted
sites and anything else I can think of with no luck. Among the sites
requiring ActiveX that no longer work are: Office Update, Adobe Macromedia
Flash 8, McAfee Antivirus, McAfee MVT, etc.

I've looked everywhere for a fix with no luck. It looks like this has been
going on since November. With W98SE support ending soon - what am I to try
now??

"Wyrenth" wrote:

> Hmm, if a reinstall of the OS doesn't fix it, I wonder if maybe one of
> Microsoft's updates from the Windows Update site is to blame?
>
> -Wyrenth
>
>

zorax2 · External Since: May 03, 2006 Posts: 5

Ok - I called paid Microsoft Technical Support today. After reinstalling IE6
and the OS several times there was no resolution until I reinstalled WITHOUT
applying the April MS06-013 (kb912812) Cumulative Security Updated for IE6
SP1. All ActiveX controls work fine as long as I do not apply this critical
update.

I found this information at Microsoft in the Tech Notes:
"Yes, this security update contains the Internet Explorer Active X update
previously released and discussed in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 912945.
To help enterprise customers who need more time to prepare for the ActiveX
update discussed in Microsoft Knowledge Base Article 912945, Microsoft is
releasing a Compatibility Patch. As soon as it is deployed, the Compatibility
Patch will temporarily return Internet Explorer to the previous functionality
for handling ActiveX controls. This Compatibility Patch will function until
an Internet Explorer update is released as part of the June update cycle, at
which time the changes to the way Internet Explorer handles ActiveX controls
will be permanent. This compatibility patch may require an additional restart
for systems it is deployed on. For more information, see Microsoft Knowledge
Base Article 917425."

Microsoft support did not know whether this patch was available nor were
they able to answer as to whether the June updates "permanent" change to
ActiveX would resolve the problem or prevent us from working with ActiveX
controls again.

It's hard to say if this is good news or bad news. I hope this is of help
to someone else as I've now got nearly 20 hours invested in this for a patch
that messed up important functionality on my computer.

Wyrenth · External Since: May 04, 2006 Posts: 2

Heh, so Microsoft broke their own browser? You'd think they'd've
realized that and -fixed- it by now. Razz

BigChief_Nor · External Since: Feb 20, 2007 Posts: 1

I've got the same problem.
Found that it is some permission problem; Log on as local admin --> no
problem.
Regular users --> problem.
Removed all IE policies from AD, no fix. Checking further, will be back if I
find a solution.

--
BigChief_Nor

zorax2 · External Since: May 03, 2006 Posts: 5

The only fix I found was to reinstall Win98 and not install all of the
updates. I've since abandonded Win98.

Good luck!

"BigChief_Nor" wrote:

> I've got the same problem.
> Found that it is some permission problem; Log on as local admin --> no
> problem.
> Regular users --> problem.
> Removed all IE policies from AD, no fix. Checking further, will be back if I
> find a solution.
>
> --
> BigChief_Nor
>

jstjme · External Since: Jun 27, 2009 Posts: 2

"Wyrenth" wrote:

> Hmm, if a reinstall of the OS doesn't fix it, I wonder if maybe one of
> Microsoft's updates from the Windows Update site is to blame?
>
> -Wyrenth
>
>