BUG: Plugins Fail to Print in Internet Explorer 4

ID: Q216494

The information in this article applies to:

Microsoft Internet Explorer (Programming) versions 4.0, 4.01, 4.01 SP1, 4.01 SP2

SYMPTOMS

When an HTML page is printed by Internet Explorer 4, 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 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 this to be a bug in the Microsoft products listed at the beginning of this article.

Additional query words: plugin print


Keywords          : kbActiveX kbCtrl kbCtrlCreate kbIE400bug kbIE401bug kbInternet kbIE401sp1bug kbInetDev 
Version           : WINDOWS:4.0,4.01,4.01 SP1,4.01 SP2
Platform          : WINDOWS 
Issue type        : kbbug

Last Reviewed: March 26, 1999