ActiveX Control - NHS e-Referral Service

This method is no longer a supported route to access NHS e-Referral Service (e-RS), it is a legacy option. The NHS Credential Management software is quicker and easier to install and users are recommended to move across to this method for future e-RS use.

The following errors could be reported for the ActiveX mechanism within the e-RS.

The 'ActiveX Control not found' error indicates that the ActiveX Control is not installed in the browser.

e-RS uses an ActiveX control as the primary mechanism for logon in Internet Explorer. When the Internet Explorer Add-on window pops up, check that the Name (of the ActiveX control) is IdentityAgent.dll and that the Publisher is BJSS Ltd. Click on the Run button to install the ActiveX control. Note: that administrator privileges are required to complete this installation.

As part of the test you may be prompted to download an ActiveX component. Select 'Yes' when prompted as they are required to perform the tests. Administrator privileges are required to complete this installation.

e-RS has been designed and tested to run in the “Trusted sites” zone within Internet Explorer, using “Low” security settings for that zone.

The most appropriate e-RS URL should be added to the browser's trusted sites list:

• https://nww.ebs.ncrs.nhs.uk
• https://ers.nhs.uk

This can be done by selecting the browser's Internet Options menu option, selecting the Security tab and using the Sites button associated with the Trusted sites icon.

The 'ActiveX Control is installed but cannot login to e-RS' error indicates that the ActiveX Control is running correctly but an error occurred whilst attempting to check whether the Identity Agent has already authenticated the user.

The most likely cause of this message is that user has allowed the ActiveX Control to run (see the IE11 dialog box above) but the e-RS URL (either https://nww.ebs.ncrs.nhs.uk or https://ers.nhs.uk) has not been added to the browser's trusted sites list. This can be done by selecting the browser's Internet Options menu option, selecting the Security tab and using the Sites button associated with the Trusted sites icon.

This may also occur if:

• the Identity Agent is not running
• the user did not log in to the Identity Agent before starting the test
• the user logged out of the Identity Agent before completing the test
• the Identity Agent login was unsuccessful

Ensure the Identity Agent is running and the user has logged in successfully before attempting to run the configuration check again.

For guidance on dealing with authentication issues with the Identity Agent please see the 'Troubleshooting' section in the Administration Guide included in the installation files (HSCN/N3 access required to access this link).

If the above reasons have been eliminated, then you can get further assistance by calling the National Service Desk on 0300 3035035 or raising a call using the National Service Desk tool.