ActiveX error when using Skype

Problem

When using Skype, you see the following error occur repeatedly.

“One or more ActiveX controls could not be displayed because either:

1) Your current security settings prohibit running ActiveX controls on this page, or
2) You have blocked a publisher of one of the controls. As a result, the page may not display correctly.”

Cause

This is caused by a problem with the Internet Explorer version of Flash Player which is either not installed, or needs updating.
This still applies even if you don’t use Internet Explorer or have it installed because Skype relies on the Internet Explorer engine.

Solution

  1. Quit Skype.
  2. Go to the Flash Player download page.
  3. In the Step 1 drop down, select your operating system.
  4. In the Step 2 drop down, select Flash Player for Internet Explorer.
  5. It is recommend that you uncheck the box for any additional software below.
  6. Click Download now and install the program.
  7. Once installed, open Skype again.

19 comments

  3. What it’s really saying is “Hey, we need vulnerable Flash plugins or ActiveX in order to display an ad.” and the solution of turning off security restrictions for Flash or ActiveX seems… Not a good idea as that’s how I got malware the last time. Antivirus can only clean up the mess, not prevent 0-day exploits. Even then, on average, the databases are updated weekly at the latest. The program should detect if the browser has security policies and just use ads appropriate to the limits. I wonder what it does on a system that has IE (mostly) removed… I could rename IExplorer.exe to find out. 😉

    Reply

  9. I have followed the instructions but it still doesn’t work for me… 🙁
    I have windows 7 64 bits and when I turn skype on, my screen resolution becomes 800*600 and when I change it and I call on skype, I have the video but no sound.

    Can someone help me please ?

    Thx a lot

    Reply

    1. Hello Nellie,

      It sounds like Skype is running in compatibility mode. To check this please right click on the Skype application and click “Properties”.
      In the properties window click on the “compatibility” tab, make sure there are no ticks in the tick boxes then click “Apply” and “OK”.
      After doing that check the settings in Skype to make sure the right audio device is selected.
      Hope this helps.

      Regards
      Russell

      Reply

      1. Hi Russell,

        I really thank you for your comment. It actually helped me for the resolution problem (I had two boxes ticked), but I still have no sound though. When I follow your instructions, I don’t have a choice for the audio settings, I can only select Realtek High Definition Audio for the speakers.

        Do you know where the problem come from ? I also downloaded the apps Fix it but it detected 0 problem…

        Thank you very much for your help (and sorry if my English isn’t so good I’m French !!)

        Best regards,
        Nellie

        Reply

        1. Hello Nellie,

          I would recommend uninstalling Skype then the Realtek High Definition Audio drivers then restart the machine.
          Now install the Realtek High Definition Audio drivers, restart the machine again and reinstall Skype.
          Hope this helps.

          Regards
          Russell

          Reply

  14. Thanks, you’re a damn site more useful than those guys at the actual Skype support place. Thanks a lot!

    Reply

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