Active-X problem

[denyd]

I had a spyware problem with the MADFINDER strain and after fixing it, I'm having a problem with my Windows Explorer. It only shows the directories in the left-hand column and displays an error message about active-X instead of all of the file names.

Any ideas on how to fix this?

 

[Nixnutz]

Hmmmmm...

Madfinder is a variant of CoolWebSearch. It can be very tenacious and wreak havoc with IE.

I checked around a little and haven't seen any references to its removal causing problems with Windows Explorer.

Only thing I can suggest, and I hesitate to do this, is to check the security settings on your IE (right click the desk icon >Security>Custom) and maybe lower the Custom Settings a notch. I don't even know if that will work.

The caveat: too low a custom setting can cause more problems since a lot of spyware depends on ActiveX weaknesses.

A better thought is try the forums at spywareinfo.com. They have a good help forum there. You will have to register.

Anyone else with some ideas?????

 

[denyd]

I've decided the best bet is probably to re-install active-X. I tried to find a download for it on the MS Web site, but was unsucessful.

Does anyone know where I can get an Active-X install?

 

[Neomega]

Active X settings can be set in the advanced tab under internet options.

Start --> Internet Explorer

tools

internet options

 

[denyd]

I managed to fix the windows explorer problem (there is a classic explorer option that doesn't use ActiveX), but I still have problems at some web sites (Thomas the Train, Duck Dodgers & Scooby-doo) that I visit with my 3-year old.

I tried to go to the windows update page, but whatever trashed my ActiveX, causes the page to be blank.

 

[Nixnutz]

denyd:

Can't say I'm really up on all the nuances of ActiveX, but if I understand correctly, it is a series of controls and not really a program or language. It is also a "vector" for spyware infiltration.

The Madfinder removal process may have screwed up some of the controls necessary to make those sites work.

I did some more digging and came up with this:

http://tln.lib.mi.us/~amutch/pro/ie/activexupdate.htm

It might help.

Wikipedia and answersthatwork searches for ActiveX might also give you come clues.