Based on member inputs, we have redesigned the process for installing the eBay Enhanced Picture Services software, an ActiveX control for Internet Explorer that enables image adjustments and faster picture uploads to eBay. The changes described here will appear on the site within the next several days. Note that the ActiveX control itself is not being updated, so if you already have the most current version installed you will not need to use the installation process at this time.

Overview

Currently, the process for downloading and installing the ActiveX control software starts automatically when loading the Pictures and Details page of the Sell Your Item form if (a) your Sell Your Item Picture Preference is set to eBay Enhanced Picture Services or you switch to Enhanced Services on the Pictures & Details page and (b) the current version of the ActiveX control is not installed. While convenient, this automatic installation process can be confusing, especially to first-time users of Enhanced Picture Services. In addition, downloading and installing ActiveX controls automatically on page load is not generally compatible with Microsoft Windows Service Pack 2 (SP2) for some configurations of Internet Explorer security settings.

The new process puts the installation under user control, much like the standard installers provided with other software products. When installation of the ActiveX control is needed, a message prompting installation is displayed in the Add Pictures section of the Pictures and Details page. A button is provided for you to start the download and installation process. After installation, you are returned to the Pictures & Details page maintaining any data you had entered previously on the form. The new process does require a few more pages and clicks, but is more understandable and reliable, and should save time if there are any installation issues.

As part of the changes to the Pictures & Details page, there also are now separate tabs for Enhanced and Basic Picture Services in the Add Picture section when using Internet Explorer on Windows. You can now switch modes simply by clicking on the tab for the service you prefer to use.

In addition to installation on the Pictures & Detail page, the ActiveX control software can now also be installed from the Sell Your Item Picture Preference page in My eBay. When installation is performed on that page, you also have the opportunity to test the software by uploading a test picture.

We're also updating and adding Help pages that describe eBay Picture Services and how to troubleshoot them if you encounter any issues.

• eBay Picture Services Overview


• Troubleshooting eBay Enhanced Picture Services


• Troubleshooting eBay Basic Picture Services

Installation on the Picture & Details Page

When installation of the ActiveX control is needed, a message is displayed in the Add Pictures section of the Pictures and Details page, as shown below for the case where the ActiveX control is not installed or is damaged (different messages are shown if the ActiveX install has never been installed on the system previously or if it is installed but a required update is available from eBay).

Clicking the Set Up Picture Services button opens a new page, which is the start of the installation process.

Clicking the Install Now> button starts the download and installation of the ActiveX control.

If you use Windows XP Service Pack 2 (SP2), then the download will be temporarily blocked, unless you have adjusted security settings. The yellow Information Bar will display at the top of the Internet Explorer window alerting you that the eBay site is attempting to install an ActiveX control.

Click the Information Bar and then click Install ActiveX Control... on the drop-down menu. See below.

Next, for all versions of Windows, after the download completes a prompt displays in a dialog box asking if you wish to install the eBay ActiveX control. Note that, depending on connection speed, the download can take 15 seconds to about 2 minutes to complete before the dialog box displays.

Click the Install button to continue the installation.

If the installation is successful, you will see the confirmation page below.

Click the Finished button to return to your listing and add pictures with the newly installed ActiveX control.

Installing and Testing the ActiveX Control in My eBay

As an alternative to installing the ActiveX control while you are creating a listing with the Sell Your Item form, you can access the installation flow and optionally upload a test picture in My eBay Preferences. Open the My eBay Preference page and click Edit on the "Use this picture service" line, which will open the the Sell Your Item Picture Preference page).

When you click the Save button on the Sell Your Item Picture Preference when eBay Enhanced Picture Services is selected, then the Setup & Test eBay Enhanced Picture Services page opens. If the ActiveX control is already installed, then the page will display as shown below

If the ActiveX control needs to be installed, the page displays a message prompting you to install the software display and a button to Set Up Picture Services. Installing is optional. You may click the Finished button to return to the main My eBay Preferences page without installing.

Clicking the Set Up Picture Services button starts the ActiveX installation flow described above for the Sell Your Item form. When the installation is complete you are returned to the Setup & Test page.

Once the ActiveX control is installed on the Setup & Test eBay Enhanced Picture Services page, you can click the Add Pictures button in the ActiveX control to select a picture file on your hard disk to upload to eBay as a test. Uploading a test picture is optional. If you do not wish to do so, just click the Finished button at the bottom of the page to return to the main My Ebay Preferences page.

If you do select a picture, it first displays in the ActiveX control, where you can crop, rotate, or adjust the brightness and contrast before you upload it.

Click the Upload Test Picture to actually upload the selected picture to eBay. A progress dialog box displays and, if the upload is successful, the page reloads displaying your test picture at three different sizes, which have been stored on eBay Picture Services servers and downloaded back to the Setup & Test page.

When you are done testing, click the Finished button at the bottom of the page to return to the main My Ebay Preferences page.