RE: Possible Microsoft Update issue?

brad kaste

brad kaste

Charter Member
RE: Possible Microsoft Update issue?

I'm not sure if this has anything to do with the IE8 I updated to or not. This was done yesterday. I usually use Firefox as my browser. However,...I decided to check out the 'new' (for me) IE8. Everything seems fine. I decided to click an option listed on the home page (att.net-Windows Internet Explorer).
The add-on is called Active X Control. I get cold feet since I'm not too sure what Active X Control is,...even though it's an update by MS. Could be a dumb move but I'm not sure.
Now,...when I go to the computer's Microsoft Update link,....I ALWAYS get this posted defualt screen posting. Asking if I want to download this Active X Control add-on feature. Enclosed is a picture now of my update screen.
It won't even allow me to 'check for updates' ( currently lightly grayed out) now. I guess,....until I install this Active X feature this will always happen. It's become default.
So I'm a bit stymied what to do. Is Active X safe and how is it used? I'd like to hear one way or another what to do on this micro, mini-dilemma.
Thanks guys!
 
No Fear install that one but Yes as a rule Active X controls can be dangerous. Allow them only when you truly trust the site.

The key thing here is you are at MS page they need that control installed so they can exchange information on what updates you need. It most likely will prompt you to download a new updated software to check for updates.
 
Active X is usually self installing or self starting webpage content.

For instance, a background song, a popup picture (wether its a add or a cool photo of a plane), a sound effect (like an engine starting up or the whine of a Ferrari), etc...

But, it could also be a self activating virus. You cant be too careful these days.



On my old Operation Valkyrie, I designed the game interface in HTML to launch missions and play all these vintage songs and things. Well, as it turns out, no one has ActiveX on, and so no one could see or hear or launch anything, lol...

arrghh.. :faint:
 
Thanks Dave and Bill for your inputs. With a bit of fumbling around,....I was able to install the ActiveX control feature. Yes, I'm now capable of using the update feature from the Microsoft sight again. Which leads me to a few more questions. While the 'Express' feature shows I'm up to date on the lastest MS security installs,....I checked the 'Optional'software button to see what add-ons/downloads I might need for the computer. I received five of them. They are as follows:
1, Windows Powershell 1.0 for Windows XP
2,Update for Root Certificates
3,Group Policy Preference Client Side Extensions for Windows XP
4,Windows Search 4.0 for Windows Xp
5, Windows Live Essentials
So,...do I need any of these optional update add-ons? Which one do you find essential and which ones would you ignore? Or ignore them all?
Again,...thanks for the help and assistance.
-Brad

 
All the optional updates are non essential. You can see in the details of the download what they do when you have doubts. I only install the optional updates of programs I use.
 
Alain_F355 is correct the only one you should install is the Root Certificates. They are already on your PC but they need updated from time to time.

Bill I figured out what that problem was and I got it working on my system... so to speak. Talking about Operation Valkyrie
 
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