BUG: Plugins Fail to Print in Internet Explorer 4 (216494)


The information in this article applies to:

  • Microsoft Internet Explorer (Programming) 4.0
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer (Programming) 4.01
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer (Programming) 4.01 SP1
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer (Programming) 4.01 SP2
  • Microsoft Internet Explorer (Programming) 5.5
This article was previously published under Q216494

SYMPTOMS

When an HTML page is printed by Internet Explorer 4.x or 5.5, plugins appear on the printed output as empty space.

CAUSE

Internet Explorer 4 does not in-place activate ActiveX controls before printing. Because plugins are hosted in Internet Explorer by a hidden ActiveX control, the plugins it hosts are not given a chance to draw.

RESOLUTION

There is no known workaround in Internet Explorer 4.x or 5.5 for plugins at this time. The plugin must supply its own printing mechanism and user interface to invoke that print.

Alternatives to plugins include DHTML, ActiveX controls, and Java applets.

STATUS

Microsoft has confirmed that this is a bug in the Microsoft products that are listed at the beginning of this article.
Modification Type:MajorLast Reviewed:5/12/2003
Keywords:kbBug kbCtrl kbCtrlCreate kbInetDev kbpending KB216494
©2002 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved.