Flash

Macromedia Flash (or just "Flash") usually refers to the Macromedia Flash Player and browser plugin needed to handle SWF web page animations and interractive content. Even though the Flash plugin is referred to as "Shockwave Flash", it should not be confused with the Shockwave plugin that handles "Shockwave for Director" content.

Security alert

Flash Player versions 7.0.53.0 and earlier contain a security flaw that can allow the execution of arbitrary code (read the advisory). All users should update to Flash Player 8.0.22.0 (Flash Player 7.0r61 if using Windows 95/NT 4.0 Linux or Flash Player 7.0r60 on Solaris [1]).

Installation

If you cannot find a Flash Player for your OS, find it manually on this page. Downloads are also available through PluginDoc. See PluginDoc's Flash FAQs for details on installation.

Troubleshooting

First, read PluginDoc to see if your problem is listed there.

Quicktime plugin takes over Flash

If you see a Quicktime symbol with a question mark where the Flash content should be, it means that Quicktime has taken over handling of Macromedia Flash files. Open the Quicktime Control Panel, select the Browser tab (or select "Browser Plug-in" from the drop-down menu in Quicktime 6 or earlier). Click the "Mime settings" button and uncheck "Flash media" or "Flash file" under "Miscellaneous" and restart your browser. If the problem persists, remove the file "pluginreg.dat" from the "Firefox" or "Mozilla" folder in the profile folder location. Additionally, remove any "npqt*.dll" files found in the Mozilla Suite or Firefox installation directory's plugins folder. [2].

Flashblock conflict

If you're using Flash Player 8 and Flashblock, you need Flashblock 1.3.3 or higher. [3].

If you've removed Flashblock you need to take the following code out of userChrome.css:

object[classid$=":D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000"],
object[codebase*="swflash.cab"]
{ -moz-binding: url("chrome://flashblock/content/flash.xml#obj"); }

Adblock conflict

Flash content may not display if Adblock is installed and OBJ-TABS are enabled. Disable OBJ-TABS in Adblock's options or try updating to the latest version of Adblock, or uninstall Adblock and install Adblock Plus. [4].

Flash 8.0 on Linux

At the moment there is no Linux version of Flash Player 8.0. Adobe has indicated that there will not be a Linux release of Flash Player 8.0, however Flash Player 8.5 will have a Linux release. In the mean time, if you require Flash Player 8.0, you can try CrossOver Office.

Crashes

Many crashes are caused by older versions of Flash. Make sure you are using the latest version.

External Links

• Macromedia Flash Player FAQs
• Test Macromedia Shockwave and Flash Players
• PluginDoc Flash Player FAQ
• Having Problems with Flash? (MozillaZine forums)