Microsoft Update Catalog not working with Active X filtering

Today I followed a link to download from Microsoft Update Catalog with zero results, a blank screen.  Clicking help at least gave me the Search window, leading to no results for any KBxxxxxxx searched for.

Using Windows 7 Pro and IE11 just installed. 

IE11 Safety was set to block Active X
Allowed Active X content - now asked to install the Add-On Microsoft Update Catalog and the site now works.

Why is none of this mentioned on the website / FAQS?

Assuming Win7 64-bit...

Please answer each of the following [admittedly tedious] diagnostic questions in a correspondingly-numbered list in your very next reply, preferably without quoting my post:

1a. When (approx. date) did you purchase the computer?

1b. Who manufactured the computer (e.g., Toshiba; HP; Dell; Lenovo)?

1c. Have you ever done a Repair Install and/or a clean install of Windows 7?

1d. Has Win10 ever been installed on the system?

2. What is the full name of your installed anti-virus application or security suite and when (approx. date) does your current subscription expire? What anti-spyware applications (other than Defender) are installed? What third-party firewall (if any)?

3. Has a(nother) Norton application or a McAfee application EVER been installed on the computer since you bought it?

4. Have you ever run the Norton Removal Tool and/or the McAfee Consumer Products Removal Tool?

5. Is KB4041681 and/or KB4040980 listed in Installed Updates (not Update History)? [1]

6. Assuming Java is still installed for some reason => Is Java Version 8 Update 151 (or higher) installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => http://java.com/en/download/uninstallapplet.jsp [2]

7. Is Adobe Flash Player v27.0.170 installed and if not, can you get it installed? TEST HERE USING INTERNET EXPLORER ONLY! => https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player.html   

8a. When (exact date) was Internet Explorer 11 installed according to Installed Updates?

8b. Was IE11 "just" offered & installed via Windows Update or did you have to install it manually?

8c. Were you running IE8, IE9, or IE10 before you installed IE11?

8d. What Update Version & KB number are displayed in the second line of text in IE11's Help | About [Alt+H+A] tab; e.g., Update Version: 11.0.99 (KB1231231) ?

9. Is Firefox version 56.0.1 (or higher) and/or Google Chrome version 62.0.3202.62 (or higher) or any other alternate browser installed?

10. Are you in the habit of using "Registry cleaners" (e.g., Registry Mechanic; System Mechanic; RegCure; RegClean Pro; Advanced SystemCare; Total System Care; Glary Utilities; Registry Booster; McAfee QuickClean; AVG Quick CleanAVG PC TuneUp; Norton Registry Cleaner; Norton PC Tuneup; PCTools Optimiser; SpeedUpMyPC; FixMyPC; PC Doctor; TuneUp Utilities; WinMaximizer; WinSweeper; Comodo System Cleaner; Advanced System Optimizer; CCleaner Registry Cleaner component)?

==============================================
[1] Start | Control Panel | Programs and Features | View installed updates (in left-hand menu)
[2] No need to install Java if it's not already installed!

--
~Robear Dyer (PA Bear)
Microsoft MVP (Windows Client) since October 2002

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1.   I  installed Windows 7 Pro and IE11 the day of the posting.
Dual booting  Windows 7 - Windows 10.
Why assume Windows 7 64bit?  This 2003 Dell cannot even run XP Mode.

2.  I forgot to use my downloaded Windows 7 SP2 updater requiring just one update ahead of that.   A list of 180+ updates installed after Windows 7 SP1 including IE11.

2.  I had not yet reached the point of installing Microsoft Security Essentials the recommended replacement for Defender in Windows 7.

5. KB4040980 is installed

6. Java - I have the installer 8.151 - I don't know why.

7.  Adobe Flash is not installed.

8.  IE11 Update v. 11.0.47 via KB4040685

I RESOLVED the issue by UNCHECKING "block Active X" in IE11 Safety setting returning it to the default state.

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Last updated May 28, 2023 Views 1,507 Applies to: