Help Please! This Is Driving Me Crazy.

[Mobi]

I recently had a new hard disk installed on my PC as the old one crashed. The shop re-installed Microsoft Windows XP (genuine version) onto my machine along with associated software.

My problem is with Internet Explorer IE7. When I try to use this browser I get the information bar telling me that it is running without add-ons. I have tried and tried, but I cannot enable the add-ons. If I click on Tools, the “manage add-ons” the option is not hi-lighted and I cannot click on it.

When I try to access web sites, including Windows and IE updates, I cannot access the sites and get the message “Install the ActiveX control required to view the website”, and I am advised to right click on the information bar, and will then have the option to “install ActiveX control”, but when I right click, all I get is “about add-ons” and “more information”, with no option to install ActiveX control..

I have been trying to solve these problems for 2 days now with now success. I have removed the IE7 programme from my machine, and downloaded and re-installed it twice, but each time I get it installed with “no add-ons”. Even the icon on my start menu says Internet Explorer (no add-ons).

Is there any genius out there who can tell me what I have to do to activate the add-ons and install ActiveX control?

Thank you

[nikster]

Even the bbc advises to use alternative browsers. Use firefox. Download it from another machine (like the one you made this post from), put it on a USB stick, and install on your system.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/technology/7784908.stm

Can't find the original article where the BBC went out and actually said "Use alternative browsers for the time being", but the above is about the same issue.

[H2oDunc]

Mobi when you click n tools is there a tick next to the manage add on option. If so un tick then try to install active X. You are probably better off using another browser at the moment as there is a nasty flaw with IE and Microsoft are busy trying to fix it. Try Google chrome. I've been using it now for a week now and no hangs, stalls or anything. Very fast and easy to use. Or there is firefox as well. If you are using IE make sure your anti virus is up to date.

[Mobi]

I have been using Firefox as my default browser for years.

I need IE to access certain sites that are not supported by Firefox (e.g IPStar).

H2O Dunc, when I click on Tools there is a drop down box which includes "manage add-ons" But it is in 'feint' script and cannot be accessed. It is not ticked. All the other items are in heavy script and can be accessed.

I actually can't use IE without the activeX control. Even if I get the site up, it won't work properly.

I've just realised that the message on the IPStar site says that it can only be viewed with IE 5. Maybe I should try downloading that.

What's with bloody Microsoft?? I had enough trouble before with Hotmail and Thunderbird.

[H2oDunc]

Mobi try this. Go to control panel, internet options, then choose the program option from the top boxes. It will then show you the manage add ons box. This may be disabled. It will also show what add ons you have and it should, I say should, give you the option to enable any you want to If you click on the show button there should be an option to download active X.God luck and I Hope that got you going ?

[munirkn]

Try IE7 Professional

http://www.ie7pro.com/

[malcolmswaine]

Just going out on a limb here ... you dont have the advanced Intnernet Explorer Advanced Security Configuration installed do you? Look in Control Panel -> Add/remove programs -> Windows components.

[fatenglishman]

Mobi one of my customers had a similar problem, in the end I uninstalled IE7 and restored IE6.

To uninstall Internet Explorer 7, follow these steps:

1)Click Start, and then click Run.

2)In the Open box, type %windir%\ie7\spuninst\spuninst.exe, and then click OK.

3)Follow the wizard instructions to uninstall Internet Explorer 7.

4) Restart your computer and confirm that IE6 is restored

I would say give the above a try, then provided you have GENUINE Windows installed use Windows update to download the latest iteration (re-hashment) of IE from Microsoft.

Our corporate intranet in LHR doesn't support any browser other than IE so I know how frustrating this can be.

Let me know if it works for you

[Mobi]

Hi Folks,

Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

I was about to try them out when I read this topic in the General Topics forum this morning:

Microsoft warns of Internet Explorer security flaw

ABC - Australia December 17, 2008, 1:50 pm

Users of the world's most common web browser have been advised to switch to another browser until a serious security flaw has been fixed.

Internet experts say the flaw in Microsoft's Internet Explorer could allow criminals to take control of people's computers and steal their passwords.

Microsoft is investigating the problem and preparing an emergency software patch to resolve it.

The unusual step of issuing an emergency fix is due to take place on Wednesday.

Internet Explorer is used by the vast majority of the world's computer users.

The BBC reports that the firm released a security alert, stating, "Microsoft is continuing its investigation of public reports of attacks against a new vulnerability in Internet Explorer."

It's thought other browsers, such as Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Safari, are not vulnerable to the flaw Microsoft has identified.

A senior security advisor at Trend Micro, Rick Ferguson, is quoted as saying, "In this case, hackers found the hole before Microsoft did. This is never a good thing."

Mr Ferguson told the BBC, "If users can find an alternative browser, then that's good mitigation against the threat."

But Microsoft advised against take this course of action, adding that the firm was trying to get the issue resolved as soon as possible. Microsoft reportedly says only 0.02 percent of sites are affected, and only IE7 users appear vulnerable at the moment.

BE WARNED CHANGE IMMEDIATELY

So I immediately removed IE7, and it automatically replaced by IE6. This version works fine and I can now access the sites I needed it for.

So problems solved, and I'll keep away from IE7.

Thanks