The installation of the latest service packs for Windows XP includes something for Internet Explorer called the Information Bar.  This is a new feature that provides the user a banner message that tells the user when web content has been blocked based on the settings in Internet Explorer Options.  By default, this info bar is turned on, and can cause issues when you attempt to launch certain ActiveX applications.  The information bar can be turned off by changing the following setting:

 Launch Internet Explorer

            Tools -> Internet Options -> Advanced Tab

 In the options under the Security heading, click the check box next to "Allow active content to run in files on My Computer".  Click OK to save the setting and then re-launch Internet Explorer.  The info bar message should no longer appear.

— Matt Ranlett

posted with BlogJet