[Endroo_Chow]

A window keeps popping up saying "Your current settings prohibit running ActiveX controls on this page. As a result this page may not display correctly." I have no clue what ActiveX is exactly but I changed the settings to every option available in Internet Options from Control Panel under the Security Tab. I clicked on Custom Level... and then I tried every setting option for the ActiveX plug-in. And the window continued to appear even when I don't have an internet browser open. I use Mozilla FireFox mostly. I'm wondering if this is spyware or just a setting I need to fix in Control Panel. Please help.
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AMD Athlon 64 3200+, BFG GeForce 6600GT OC, 512MB RAM, Windows XP Professional

[loukas30]

Active X is in some cases vital for a page to run and in other cases can install a parasite/spyware on your computer. By the sound of what you are saying i dont think it is a virus or spyware, simply a problem in your internet security.

[Endroo_Chow]

I think it is spyware...the activex thing is trying to open up a pop up but it doesn't appear for some reason. And my internet browser's homepage is http://www.messengersite.net/forum/portal.htm. When I change it back to my own homepage http://www.messengersite.net/forum/portal.htm comes back after I reset my computer.
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AMD Athlon 64 3200+, BFG GeForce 6600GT OC, 512MB RAM, Windows XP Professional

[loukas30]

this does sound suppicious please run a scan with the hijackthis programme and post your log in the appropriate section.

[GTO]

Hi, Endroo_Chow. Welcome to 2-Spyware.com forums!

ActiveX is a web technology from Microsoft. It can be used to enable sounds, animations, special effects, applets and other specific objects on certain web pages. ActiveX is highly integrated with the Windows operating system. That is why it is also often used to install software, sometimes, even without any user interaction. Take Microsoft Windows Update as an example. This service uses ActiveX scripts that allow it to check your system, suggest and install necessary updates. Unfortunately, a lot of malicious web pages use ActiveX too. But this time, for malicious purposes mostly. That is why it is highly recommended to disable ActiveX support and enable it only while visiting legitimate sites like Windows Update.

The reason why a site cannot run ActiveX controls might be quite simple. As you said, you use Mozilla Firefox mostly. And this web browser does not support the ActiveX technology. The Internet Options you alter from the Control Panel affect Internet Explorer only. Mozilla Firefox has its own settings.

Still and all, you should scan your system with an anti-spyware program. Take a look on the recommended anti-spyware software list. Furthermore, please provide the full address of a web site that asks you to enable support for ActiveX controls.