Activex removal

Is there a program or an easu way to remove activex components? I have been browsing the net for photo slideshow software. Most want to install an activex contrl before I can see a demo, but Im loathe to do that, want to keep my PC as clean and clutter free as possible

 

Spybot S&D has an ActiveX remover in its tools section. Microsoft AntiSpyware also has an ActiveX blocker in its Advanced Tools section.

In Internet Explorer 6, there is Tools | Manage Addons which allows you to list and remove ActiveXs that are either currently loaded by IE or which have been used by IE in the past and are still installed.

Alternatively, you can delete them manually from \Windows\Downloaded Program Files where you'll find all installed ActiveXs listed.

 

Here's how to remove an ActiveX Control:

In IE, go to Tools > Internet Options.

Press Settings > View Objects, rightclick the ActiveX object of your choice, and choose 'remove'.

That's it...

 

Thanks for the replies. The simplest seems to be going through XP. Does it remove everything or will I need to use a regcleaner to get rid of any leftovers?

 

First of all (and I forgot to tell you), first check Add/Remove Programs. An ActiveX based application will at times be listed there, so that's the first thing to do.

Removing an ActiveX control the way I said in any case ought to remove the corresponding subkey from the Registry (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Code Store Database\Distribution Units), but I haven't tested to see whether in fact this will remove everything (but then again, usually neither does Add/Remove Programs...).

If you want to be absolutely certain, use an install monitor (Total Uninstall, etcetera) to take snapshots before and after. It's the only way to ensure nothing gets overlooked.