Opening SWF file in Netscape and Firefox

I received an email with an attachment that had the swf extension. I thought it was a Shockwave file and was pretty sure that it had been installed as a plug-in many moons ago.

When I tried to open the attachment I got a message that Windows didn't know which program to use to open it.

I went to the Shockwave site and downloaded the program and was advised that it would be installed into each of my 3 browsers. IE, Firefox and Netscape.

When I went to re-try opening it I got the same message and it would not open.

Any ideas what I am doing wrong?

 

Can you give a link to the download site? There are two different versions of Flash, one for Netscape, and all gecko browsers, and a different one for IE.
I had no problem with the Netscape version . As you can see there is no option for IE, and you download the file, close all programs, and start the installation.
I cannot get anything to happen with IE-version. There is only the Install, and no download.

 

Here is the site I went to and downloaded the program:

http://www.macromedia.com/downloads/#players

 

If you click on the free player on the upper right, you should be directed to download the proper version, depending on the browser which you are using, or, you get a choice .

 

I think I'm getting a little confused again.

I thought what I downloaded the other day should have opened the swf file that was sent to me via email. After I installed the program I went to the web site mentioned and it stated that I had correctly installed the Shockwave program but I STILL can't open that file.

Can I download a Shockwave program that is not tied in with my browsers so that I can open that file?

I am using the latest version of Firefox, Netscape 7.02 and IE.

I also tried opening it with IrfanView, 3.90. I think this was also mentioned in a previous post.

 

Well, now the whole thing is useless. I went to my email and was going to save that swf file to my Desktop. It seems that I deleted it in error and then emptied my Trash Folder. I now have NOTHING to practice on.

Sorry.

 

vegaspat--Perhaps of help
http://www.browsertools.net/Flash-Saving-Plugin/index.html

When you try to play Flash animations directly from the web, you need to have ActiveX controls installed and allowed to run. (IE Tools|Internet Options|Security tab|Custom Level|Enable "Run ActiveX controls and plug ins "|Apply|OK|OK.)

 

Vegaspat,
keep an eye on such messages for the future.
You had not mentioned Irfan View. I have its latest v.3.97, and there is way to set file associations, in it.
And, yes, you can, and, probably should, download the message.
But, it depends on the source, if animated ot not.

 

I'm back in business. My friend was able to re-send that swf file and I still am having no luck.

I tried to open it with Irfan View and it stated that the file format was not correct or something along that line. And I can not find where the Shockwave program is installed on my PC.

I tried to obtain a non browser version but they want my email address and I don't need anymore spam or trash.

Does anyone know of a good program that will open a swf file and doesn't depend on the browser?

 

vegaspat--Not clear whether you tried my earlier suggestion. But concerning a browser-neutral player, try Media Player which is part of the download here.
http://www.free-codecs.com/download/K_Lite_Codec_Pack.htm

 

Jim,

This is enough to make a person doubt their sanity.

I was getting ready to just give up and I clicked on the re-sent message which was really a joke that a friend thought I would enjoy. (Hardly) Anyway for some reason it started playing.

Then I opened Media Player and selected the file from my Desktop and once again it started playing. I have NO idea why all of this happened. As far as I know I did nothing to make it now work.

I did not get as far as downloading and installing a program not associated
with my browsers.

Guess I'd better leave well enough alone.

Thanks to everyone for all the help.

 

Forget everything I've said about this problem!!

Everything was working as you can see in my previous note. After posting that I went to view the "joke" again.

Guess what? Same old thing. Would not open and even Media Player said it didn't recognize the format or what ever.

This whole thing is totally bizarre.

Can anyone point me to the exact location and the exact program that I can download that will NOT be tied in with the browser and won't cause me to get unwanted spam by wanting me to supply my email address?

 

First of all make sure that you have a genuine Shockwave file. secondly, see my link in post #4. It is in the Macromedia site.

 

I'm sure I have the correct program. All works well when I go to the flash sites. I've tried several other things and have decided to just give up.

I've spent way too much time bothering folks and trying to solve this issue. I always seem to have these problems that others never have. I must have a black cloud hanging over my head as far as computers are concerned.

I did get to view it once and why that happened only makes the problem more curious. I would be afraid to forward it on to other friends and create a problem for them so I will just forget about it.

Thanks for all your help.

 

There has been an interminable thread, at another support website, about Flash in NS8.0.4, in the Firefox and IE-View. Interestingly, I had no problems with Firefox, but IE which requires a different download would not work for me. I was finally able to get IE to work as well as Firefox, but only after a lot of kicking and screaming. http://www.macromedia.com/software/flash/about/
That website will give you the version, and 8.0.22 is the correct version.
If the file is indeed a .swf it should work. I, normally, download the files, so that I can scan them for viruses. In my Tools|Folder Options|File Types I have selected to open the file with Irfan View. However Windows Media seems to be default. I don't have any .swf file to test, so if you wish you can send me a Personal Message, and I can give you an e-mail address to send the attachment to.

 

I would love to be able to send the file to you so you can see if it truly is what it is supposed to be. But I will have to wait a couple of days because for the second time I trashed it totally and am going to have my friend re-send it if she hasn't gotten rid of it also.

Thanks.

 

I've been following this thread with interest, but had nothing to add until now. I just sent Pat an email containing a simple Flash file, with the suggestion that she download it and keep it handy while attempting to solve her problem.

I just double-clicked on a Flash file and got the requester asking which program I wished to open it with. I selected Firefox, making sure that the "Always use the selected program to open this type of file" box was checked. The file opened normally, in Firefox, but when I closed it and tried to open it again, I got the requester again.

When I opened Folder Options > File Types, I found that the SWF filetype was actually listed as SWF " (note the single quotation mark). Only after I deleted the filetype and created a new one did Flash files, whether attached to emails or downloaded, open normally in Firefox.

Whether this is Pat's problem or not, I think it's time to take a look at the filetype and see if there might not be a problem there.

 

Jim,

I just sent you an email. Same thing happens with the file you sent.

I also received the original file from my friend and sent that on to you. This thing gets more complicated as we go on.

Let's see if any of the pop ups I received make any sense to you.

 

Pat ...

I just went back and re-read your original post ...

"When I tried to open the attachment I got a message that Windows didn't know which program to use to open it.

"I went to the Shockwave site and downloaded the program... "​

Windows needs to know what program to open the attachment in, but it's not Flash ... that's just a plug-in for the desired program ... Firefox, IE, IrfanView, or some other program. I still think you need to take a look at the association in Folder Options > File Types, as I suggested in my last post.