When I try to watch an online video, as soon as I try to start playing the video, Firefox asks what I want to do with the file. How do I stop it doing that?
When I see a video I want to watch, I click on 'Play', and nothing happens. Instead, Firefox wants to download the video.
All Replies (3)
Hi Allan2Ls, does this happen on all sites or are there particular sites where you have this problem? The reason I ask is that there are numerous video formats and embedding methods, so I would expect this problem to only affect some sites/players rather than everything.
HTML5 Video
Many sites deliver video through the built-in HTML5 media player(s). Some users might disable the players to facilitate downloading media, but normally it shouldn't just happen on its own. (More details on this if it turns out to be relevant.)
To see whether your Firefox is set up to let sites use the HTML5 media players, could you visit this YouTube test page and see whether you have 5 blue boxes, and the last box red?
If you have more red boxes, which ones are blue/red?
Flash Video
Some sites still use the Flash plugin to play videos. In the data you shared about your Firefox, the Flash plugin is not listed. Unless you are purposely avoiding it:
(1) Can you check the Add-ons page to see whether Firefox discovered Flash and, if so, whether it can be enabled? Either:
- Ctrl+Shift+a
- "3-bar" menu button (or Tools menu) > Add-ons
In the left column, click Plugins. On the right side, look for "Shockwave Flash" -- note that disabled plugins are at the bottom. If it's there, will it let you select "Always Activate" or "Ask to Activate"?
(2) If you do not find Shockwave Flash or if it can't be enabled, most likely it needs to be updated. Please see: Flash Plugin - Keep it up to date and troubleshoot problems.
Other Formats
Some sites may specify QuickTime or Windows Media or RealPlayer video. If the above suggestions are not helpful, could you give some links to page where you have this problem so a volunteer can see what kind of video is involved?
Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions ("3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem.
- Switch to the DEFAULT theme: "3-bar" menu button or Tools -> Add-ons -> Appearance
- Do NOT click the "Refresh Firefox" button on the Safe Mode start window
I've just installed Adobe Flash Player, and it's cured the problem. Thank you for your interest and help though.