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Why can't I download video clips after installingthe latest Flash Player

  • 13 replies
  • 2 have this problem
  • 17 views
  • Last reply by mhorvitz

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For example, on Xfinity when I try to view a video clip in says that is is loading and will stay as loading for an hour or more. I have downloaded and installed the latest Adobe Flash player from Adobe and it still does not load. Another site I am having this problem with is AARP. I contacted them and they stated that the problem was with Firefox and how it is handling the Flash Player. If I use IE things work fine, however, I don't like IE and would prefer Firefox.

I am using Windows 10, and Firefox 43.0.3

For example, on Xfinity when I try to view a video clip in says that is is loading and will stay as loading for an hour or more. I have downloaded and installed the latest Adobe Flash player from Adobe and it still does not load. Another site I am having this problem with is AARP. I contacted them and they stated that the problem was with Firefox and how it is handling the Flash Player. If I use IE things work fine, however, I don't like IE and would prefer Firefox. I am using Windows 10, and Firefox 43.0.3
Attached screenshots

Chosen solution

Firefox 42+ has a Tracking Protection feature that is enabled by default in Private Browsing mode. When you are in private browsing mode then Firefox can show a shield icon at the left end of the location/address bar that some content is affected.

You can disable this feature in "Options/Preferences > Privacy" or via the about:privatebrowsing page that get when you open a New Private Window.

  • Options/Preferences > Privacy: "Use Tracking Protection in Private Windows"
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All Replies (13)

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If you have problems with current Shockwave Flash plugin versions then check this:

  • see if there are updates for your graphics drivers

https://support.mozilla.org/kb/upgrade-graphics-drivers-use-hardware-acceleration

  • disable protected mode in the Flash plugin (Flash 11.3+ on Windows Vista and later)

https://forums.adobe.com/message/4468493#TemporaryWorkaround

  • disable hardware acceleration in the Flash plugin

https://forums.adobe.com/thread/891337 See also:


I have had the same problem. So I download the clip to my system and use my players to watch it. Works very well.

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If you use extensions (Firefox menu button/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) that can block content (e.g. Adblock Plus, NoScript, Flash Block, Ghostery) then make sure that such extensions aren't blocking content.

Start Firefox in Safe Mode to check if one of the extensions (Firefox menu button/Tools > Add-ons > Extensions) or if hardware acceleration is causing the problem.

  • Switch to the DEFAULT theme: Firefox menu button/Tools > Add-ons > Appearance
  • Do NOT click the Reset button on the Safe Mode start window
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I did everything you recommended and it doesn't fix the problem. Will refreshing Firefox help. I hate doing that as I have to reload all of the extensions.

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Before doing that, Start Firefox in Safe Mode {web Link} by holding down the <Shift>
(Mac=Options)
key, and then starting Firefox. Is the problem still there?

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Could you provide a link to an AARP page where the video isn't loading? I'm assuming that one is accessible to anyone and doesn't require a login (like Xfinity probably requires).

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Following is a link to a Xfinity video that will not load, It does not require a login.

http://my.xfinity.com/video/m-a-s-h-actor-wayne-rogers-dead-at-82/594439747646/Comcast/TopVideos?cid=sf_vidtray

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I had no problem Win 7 Firefox 42

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mhorvitz said

Following is a link to a Xfinity video that will not load, It does not require a login.

It's very annoying to have a 30 second commercial for a 45 second news clip. But that's actually my question: did you get the commercial or just nothing?

Also, just in case these sites do not have permission to use Flash, could you click the plugin notification toward the left end of the address bar to make sure?

The plugin notification icon in the address bar typically looks like a small, dark gray Lego block. (If it's red, Flash needs updating.)

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I just checked my plug-ins and noted that the Adobe Shockwave Player required updating. I downloaded the Shockwave_Installer_slim.exe, from the Adobe site, ran it and the status still shows it it needs to be updated. See the attached image

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Flash: Grab the uninstaller from here: Uninstall Flash Player | Windows Uninstall Flash Player | Mac

Then reinstall the latest version.

Flash Player Version 20.0.0.267
https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/distribution3.html
Note: Windows users should download the ‘’’active_x’’’ for “Internet Explorer,” and the ‘’’plugin’’’ for “Plugin-based browsers” (like Firefox).

Note: Windows 8 and Windows 10 have built in flash players and Adobe will cause a conflict.

Adobe still offers Flash 18.0.0.268 as its extended support release further down

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Did exactly as recommended and it still doesn't work. If I start Firefox in Safe mod I van then view the video. The only extension I have in addition to various toolbar buttons are , Morning Coffee (that I love), Last Pass , Ebates Cash Back, Modern Download Manager, Universal Print and Colorful Tabs. The minute I re-enable Last Pass the problem returns.

Modified by mhorvitz

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Chosen Solution

Firefox 42+ has a Tracking Protection feature that is enabled by default in Private Browsing mode. When you are in private browsing mode then Firefox can show a shield icon at the left end of the location/address bar that some content is affected.

You can disable this feature in "Options/Preferences > Privacy" or via the about:privatebrowsing page that get when you open a New Private Window.

  • Options/Preferences > Privacy: "Use Tracking Protection in Private Windows"
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unchecking the "use Tracking Protection in Private Windows." seems to have corrected the problem.