Flash
Macromedia Flash (or just "Flash") usually refers to the Macromedia Flash Player and browser plugin needed to handle SWF web page animations and interactive 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 8.0.22.0 and earlier contain a security flaw that can allow the execution of arbitrary code (Read the Security Bulletin.) All users should install the updated version, currently 8.0.24.0 (instructions for users who cannot upgrade to Flash Player 8 are included in the bulletin).
Installation
Download the Flash installer from the Macromedia Flash Player download page or from PluginDoc. If you cannot find a Flash Player download for your OS, find it manually on this page. See PluginDoc's Flash FAQs for details on installation.
If your Windows or Mac system doesn't meet the requirements for Flash 8, an updated version of Flash 7 for Netscape/Mozilla/Firefox is available here.
Windows
The Flash installer for the Mozilla browser plugin does not add or update the Internet Explorer ActiveX control, and vice versa. You will need to install Flash separately for Internet Explorer and Mozilla-based browsers.
For undetected browsers such as zipped builds of Mozilla Suite or Firefox, either use the XPI package [1] ("Install" link at PluginDoc) or copy these two files from another Mozilla browser to the new browser's installation directory:
- NPSWF32.DLL to the plugins folder
- flashplayer.xpt to the components folder (for scripting support)
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.
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].
ActiveX plugin conflict
If you have the Mozilla ActiveX plugin installed and are experiencing Flash errors, remove the file npmozax.dll from the installation directory plugins folder [3]. If the problem goes away, your Mozilla ActiveX plugin is either misconfigured or the wrong version for your browser. Check this article for details.
Flashblock conflict
If you're using Flash Player 8 and the Flashblock extension, you need Flashblock 1.3.3 or higher. [4].
If you've removed Flashblock you need to take the following code out of userChrome.css or userContent.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 the Adblock extension 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. [5].
Amazing Media Browser
Flash content will not display if the Amazing Media Browser extension is installed, if the "Block all embedded objects" preference is set to "Yes". Change the preference setting to "No" to allow embedded media such as Flash to display.
Crashes
Many crashes are caused by older versions of Flash. Make sure you are using the latest version. If the crash still occurs with the latest version, follow Macromedia's troubleshooting advice. If this advice does not help, please report a bug to Macromedia.
