Internet Explorer uses ActiveX controls for interaction between the browser and some third party applications and the operating system. ActiveX controls are similar in function to browser plug-ins in other browsers. As updated versions of third-party programs like Shockwave and Flash become available, it's necessary to update the ActiveX control in Internet Explorer. Many third-party programs will update the ActiveX control when you download and install the updated version of the software. In some cases, visiting the web site where an updated version of the ActiveX control is available will prompt the browser to ask you to update the ActiveX control.

Keeping these ActiveX controls updated might appear to be a hassle. Downloading and installing new software is never fun, especially on a large number of computers. Finding the web site where an updated version of the ActiveX control might be located is also a hassle. Fortunately, there's a quick-and-easy way to update ActiveX controls which avoids all of those problems.

One of the nice features about ActiveX controls is the ability to directly update the control. This can be done without having to download a new version of the third-party software or finding the web site where the ActiveX control is used. It just takes a couple of steps to quickly update your Active X controls.

Before we review the process to update ActiveX controls, it's important to understand a few things about how Windows handles ActiveX controls. You will typically find ActiveX controls located here:

C:\WINNT\Downloaded Program Files

If you don't have a WINNT directory, look for it in your main Windows directory. Unlike your typical directory in Windows Explorer, you can't manipulate ActiveX controls in the manner that you do other files and directories. While a normal Windows Explorer listing represents a specific file or folder, the listings in this directory are for objects which represent a specific CAB file and files with which the CAB file has a dependency. These other files are located elsewhere in the Windows operating system. You can view these dependencies by highlighting the object listing and selecting File - Properties. The related files are listed under the Dependency tab.

To directly update the ActiveX control, do the following:

1. Locate the ActiveX Control:
   
   On Windows 2000 and Windows XP, ActiveX controls are typically located here:
   
   C:\WINNT\Downloaded Program Files
   
   Browser to that location in Windows Explorer. You can also access the ActiveX control through Internet Explorer by doing the following:
   1. Start Internet Explorer
   2. Select Tools - Internet Options
   3. On the General Tab, select the button labeled Settings under Temporary Internet Files
   4. On the Settings dialog, select the button labeled View Objects

Using either method should end with the Downloaded Program Files folder open.

2. Click once on the name of the ActiveX control you want to update to highlight it. You can update one control at a time.
3. Right-click and select the Update option from the context menu.
   
   
   
   
4. The ActiveX control will check for updates. If an update is available, a dialog will show you the progress of the download for the update.
   
   
5. Before the update can be installed, you will be prompted to approve the updated ActiveX control. You should see a dialog box like the one shown below. Click on Yes to approve the update.
   
   
   
6. That's it! The ActiveX control has been updated. You will need to go through the steps for each ActiveX control.

As you can see, this process is much easier and quicker than downloading third-party software or finding sites hosting the updated control.