Registering .OCX Files: A Step-by-Step Guide for System Administrators

As system administrators often encounter situations where they need to install or update ActiveX controls across multiple computers within their network or organization, it is essential to understand the process of registering OCX files. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to register OCx files in Windows operating systems.

Why Register .OCX Files?

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ActiveX controls, including OCX (OLE Custom Control) files, are dynamic link libraries that contain reusable code and graphics for use with Visual Basic 6 or other programming languages that support ActiveX. These controls can be used within applications to enhance their functionality without requiring users to recompile the entire application.

When you install an OCx file on a computer, it only copies the file to its designated directory; however, this does not automatically register it for use by your applications. To make these controls available throughout your system and enable other programs to utilize them seamlessly, registration is required.

How to Register .OCX Files

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### Step 1: Open Windows Explorer

To begin registering an OCx file on a Windows machine:

* Click the Start button located at the bottom left corner of your desktop or press the `Win` key + E.

* Double-click on 'Computer' or 'My Computer,' depending on your version.

### Step 2: Navigate to the .OCX File

* In the new window that appears, double-click on the drive where you wish to copy and register the OCx file (usually C:\).

* Now navigate through folders until you reach the location of the copied OCx file. For example:

```

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\MYCOMPANY\AppName

```

### Step 3: Right-click on the .OCX File and Select 'Open With...'

Once you have navigated to the correct folder containing your desired ocx file, follow these steps:

* Hold down the Shift key on your keyboard.

* Click directly on the OCx file with the right mouse button.

### Step 4: Open Control Panel

When a context menu appears after step three, click 'Open With' and then select "Select the Program from a list" in the new window that opens:

!'Image of 'Open with' pop-up window'(https://i.imgur.com/0t7rZl6.png)

### Step 5: Select regsvr32.exe

* In the 'Programs' dialog box, scroll down until you see "regsvr32" and double-click on it:

!'Image of 'Programs' window with 'regsvr32' selected'(https://i.imgur.com/4Kz5u9j.png)

### Step 6: Register OCX File

* In the 'File Explorer' or "Windows Explorer", navigate back to where you extracted your ocx file, select it and then copy its path using `Ctrl + C`.

* Go back into regsvr32.exe window that opened after double-clicking on 'regsvr32' from step 5.

* Paste the full path of the OCX file into this command prompt by right clicking anywhere in there with your mouse, and then select "Paste" (or press `Ctrl + V`):

```

C:\Users\Username\AppData\Local\MYCOMPANY\AppName>regsvr32 ocxfile.ocx

```

### Step 7: Press Enter to Register OCX File

* Finally, click the 'OK' button and then close all open windows. The OCX file should now be registered on your system.

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With these simple steps outlined above, registering .OCX files becomes a straightforward process for any Windows administrator looking to deploy ActiveX controls across multiple machines within their organization or network. Remember that while this guide focuses specifically on registering ocx files in Windows operating systems due to its widespread use among developers and IT professionals working with older applications built using Visual Basic 6, similar procedures may also apply when dealing with other types of dynamic link libraries (DLLs) requiring registration for proper functionality within various programming environments.

Register .ocx files