macromedia flash and shockwave

Thanks. I have downloaded the latest versions numerous times. I have tried removing them, then downloading again, "successfully installed" so they say and still they are there but do not work. I can go to a website that tests for them and they test okay. I am stumped as what to try next.

particular website that you are having trouble with or all of them that require flash? If it is just one website, maybe it is them that are having a problem. If that is the case, if you could provide a link someone else could try it. Also, have you tried it with a different browser? I don't remember you saying which one you are using. You could also try this website which requires flash and see if it works.
http://www.tvguide.com/listings/index.asp?

It is all the sites that require flash. I use internet explorer. some of the site that no longer work are www.postopia.com www.nickjr.com www.vw.com www.20-20photo.com All of these sites worked and then one day they all said I need to get flash. Thanks

It's a support link for FlashPlayer that has common issues, FAQ, etc.
http://www.macromedia.com/support/flashplayer/

I have tried that too. Didn't work. Now, I am told I do not have realplayer and windows media player by a site. What is going on? Is there something that is turning these things off and not letting websites recognize that I do have them? Thanks

started happening, you could try system restore back to when it was all working.

I have just been to www.postopia.com and www.nickjr.com to check, and they work ok on both IE and Firefox, (a different browser), on my computer.

So it doesn't seem to be the sites themselves, and as they are reputable young children's games sites, (Nick Jnr is a large site and a tv channel), I wouldn't expect them to have any rogue flash or macromedia software.

So, if you have tried Rod's advice but still have problems, I wonder if your Internet Explorer settings have changed recently.

Have you made any changes to your computer in the last few days/weeks? eg, downloaded and installed XP SP2, or upgraded IE?

If so, those upgrades may have changed the security settings.

On my IE, when I went to both sites, a warning popped up asking if I wanted to allow ActiveX and plugins. As Shockwave and Macromedia are plugins, if your IE security settings are set to automatically disable plugins without asking, then this may be the problem.

Try this;

In Internet Explorer, goto Tools > Internet Options. Under the Security tab, click the green globe, then click the ''Custom'' button. Under Settings. Make sure;

1] ''Run ActiveX controls and plugins'' is set to Prompt.
2] ''Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting'' is set to Enable.
3] ''Java permissions'' is set to Medium safety.
4] ''Active scripting'' is Enabled.
5] ''Scripting of Java applets'' is Enabled.
Click OK, then ''Apply''. Do not click OK out of Internet Options.

Then, click the ''Advanced'' tab, and make sure;

1] If you have Java, ''Java (Sun) - Use Java'' is ticked, (there will be a version number after ''Use java'', depending what version you are using).
2] If you are not using Java, under Microsoft VM, tick each of the 3 boxes. I recommend you download and install Java, and disable Microsoft VM at some stage.
3] Under ''Multimedia'', make sure each box is ticked.
click Apply, then OK. You may have to restart the browser for some settings to take effect.

I hope this helps some. If not, come back and we will see what else can be done.

Mark

Thanks for our help. I did do all the things you mentioned and still did not work. I then downloaded firefox and I have flash and the webistes now work. Something is definately messed up with my ie settings.


I added the flash plugin and realplayer to firefox. Do I have to add quick time, windows media player, adobe and java?

Thanks again

need the Java. The others you will only need if you happen to use them while you are surfing with Firefox.

I never thought to just get another browser. I have downloaded the other plugins as they were needed.

Thanks again for your help!

get the other problem sorted. You will still need IE for Windows Updates.