I’ve got an issue with a laptop I’m working on that blocks all ActiveX controls in Internet Explorer. I’ve reduced the security settings for all zones to “Low” which should allow ANY ActiveX content to run. I’ve also verified that no sites are listed in the Restricted Sites list. I’ve even tried adding a few sites to the Trusted Sites and/or Local Internet zones without success.
This is a serious problem, because it prevents Windows Update from loading. It also prevents Trendmicro’s Housecall from loading as well. I’ve tried creating a new user profile on the machine, but I get the same results there as well.
I suspect that the issue is caused by spyware or a virus, because the machine was completely infested with spyware (400+ hits in Ad-Aware on the first scan). The AVG free virus scanner found on Downloader.Small variant, but nothing else. Perhaps someone has had some experience with this sort of problem due to some spyware/virus?
My real question is this: Is there a way to determine how these security settings are applied from the registry? Does anyone the mechanics of how these ActiveX controls are blocked? My hope is that if I understand what files and/or registry settings are involved, I might be able to determine what is causing the problem.
I guess I could re-install, but I’ve always hated reinstalling the O/S on a laptop due to unfamiliar components “under the hood” and the proprietary software components used to make various things work correctly. Anyone have any great ideas that would save me some time? I’m putting up big points so don’t let me down!
The O/S is Windows XP SP1 and its running IE6. Please post any further questions, and I’ll answer them as promptly as possible.
Thanks in advance.