Need to find Flash Player version

I am getting a message regarding my currently installed version of Macromedia Flash player to install a later version. Where do I find the version and what folder do I install the latest version? Is this really necessary? Using XP with IE.
Thanks

 

You can check your version here http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/welcome/. If Flash is installed you will see a button "About ". Hover your cursor over it to see the version.

This is the download site http://www.macromedia.com/shockwave/download/download.cgi?P1_Prod_Version=ShockwaveFlash. Read the instructions.

If you like viewing Flash update it. I prefer blocking Flash unless it is necessary to view something that I have to see.

 

msbooch--You will need to allow ActiveX controls to run before the links suggested by Whiskeyman will run properly. The first link should automatically offer the most recent version of Flash. Be careful not to allow the Yahoo Toolbar download to also take place, unless you want it.

 

It showed that I have version 5 downloaded. Is there really any advantage here to download a later version if everything is working o.k? If it works, don't fix it---my motto when it comes to computers.

 

msbooch--Latest Flash Player version is 8.0.22. Interestingly when I went to the first link given by Whiskeyman I was automatically offered an update, but it was only to v7.0.19.
I have no idea what specific benefits you will get from updating. I agree with your philosophy in general. As long as you can see the Flash animations you want, probably do not fix it, though v5 sounds pretty old. In fact some references imply that it is not meant for WinXP, but maybe they were written before XP was issued.
Here is what Macromedia says about v8, but no comparison to earlier versions is made
http://www.macromedia.com/software/flashplayer/productinfo/features