there is the same code which can be run in IDL7.1 but couldn't in IDL8.3 CODE: PRO TMP1 wBase = WIDGET_BASE() wAx=WIDGET_ACTIVEX(wBase,'{8E27C92B-1264-101C-8A2F-040224009C02}') WIDGET_CONTROL, wBase, /REALIZE END what's the matter with "widget_activex"