1/16/2008 -- ActiveX controls, toolbars, browser extensions or browser help objects (BHOs) are collectively referred to as add-ons. Browser add-ons are supposed to "improve" your experience when you visit a Web site because they provide interactive multimedia content and animations.

Unfortunately, these add-ons can also be a nuisance sometimes because they can cause your computer to lock up or display undesirable pop-up advertisements.

You can temporarily disable all add-ons, such as ActiveX controls and browser extensions, by starting Internet Explorer without add-ons. This can be achieved by going to Start, All Programs, Accessories, System Tools, Internet Explorer (No Add-Ons). You'll notice a yellow bar at the top that says "Internet Explorer is currently running with add-ons disabled."

When you run into problems with add-ons, this is an easy way to troubleshoot. If starting Internet Explorer with no add-ons solves the problem, then what you want to do is start Internet Explorer like you normally do, with add-ons enabled. Then use the Add-On Manager to disable all the add-ons. Then enable them one by one until you find the culprit.

To access the Add-On Manager, start Internet Explorer and go to Tools, Manage Add-Ons, Enable or Disable Ad-Ons.