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Flash windows in web page do not print preview or print - works in IE

  • 8 cavab
  • 17 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by Helper7677

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Specs: Win XP Pro, SP3, Laptop and Win 7 Desktop FF 3.6.10 IE8 Latest flash for IE and FF - 10.1.85.3 (previous 10.1 versions also issue)

I routinely use www.speedtest.net and www.speakeasy.net/speedtest to perform speed tests for troubleshooting issues. Both use Flash windows to show the Download/Upload speed test progress and final results.

In IE8, both print preview and print work and display/print the contents of the flash windows. In FF, everything displays/prints properly expect the content of the Flash windows - they are blank.

Apologize, as I imagine this has had to be reported in the past as I've seen posts via Google search going back many years, but could not find anything recent in FF help or forum. In addition, I assume this could be a Flash issue. However, if it is, it is not impacting IE. Regardless whether an FF or Adobe issue, I believe that Mozilla should head up and manage the repairs.

Specs: Win XP Pro, SP3, Laptop and Win 7 Desktop FF 3.6.10 IE8 Latest flash for IE and FF - 10.1.85.3 (previous 10.1 versions also issue) I routinely use www.speedtest.net and www.speakeasy.net/speedtest to perform speed tests for troubleshooting issues. Both use Flash windows to show the Download/Upload speed test progress and final results. In IE8, both ''print preview'' and ''print'' work and display/print the contents of the flash windows. In FF, everything displays/prints properly expect the content of the Flash windows - they are blank. Apologize, as I imagine this has had to be reported in the past as I've seen posts via Google search going back many years, but could not find anything recent in FF help or forum. In addition, I assume this could be a Flash issue. However, if it is, it is not impacting IE. Regardless whether an FF or Adobe issue, I believe that Mozilla should head up and manage the repairs.

All Replies (8)

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There's an old Bug regarding that issue.
https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/show_bug.cgi?id=134002

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Thanks for finding the old Bug. I am really disappointed to see that a bug report initiated March 2002 has not yet been repaired 8 years later! Having the ability to print a web page is a basic function requirement in my opnion. How can this bug gain enough visibility to initiate and complete the process for repair. Is Microsoft's method for IE that proprietary? I do appreciate your previous response and my frustration is not targeted at you. I DO NOT enjoy having to use IE, but must for the purposes described in my original post.

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Hate to be the bearer of more bad news, but that particular Bug is just the "tip of the iceberg" as far print-related Bugs are concerned.
https://bugzilla.mozilla.org/buglist.cgi?quicksearch=print - 2493 Bugs on record

One thing you may notice when viewing print-related Bug reports is that the Blocks: field is rarely ever used, the same with the Target milestone: field - IOW, there is no priority attached to the Bug report, no "deadline" for a projected fix. What ends up happening is that new major versions are released every 6 months, every year, or every year & a half, and those Bugs never get fixed - ever, or so it seems.

When I want to save a copy of or print a speedtest page, I use a Print Screen utility program I have installed and either send the image to my printer or save the screen shot image for future reference.

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Thanks again! Fortunately, I have a choice with IE and don't have an issue rewarding MS for doing their homework and providing this built-in capability. Would you be kind enough to recommend your Print Screen utility? I have Win XP Pro. I use WisePixel for capturing screen info and pasting it quickly to another doc, but cannot print directly from it.

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Screen Shot Deluxe from Parsons Technology, which I purchased in 1999 for like $29.95. Says it was designed for Win95, Win98, & WinNT, but I was able to use it in Win2000 and it works in WinXP.

Parsons sold that program to Broderbund.
http://www.broderbund.com/p-80-screen-shot-deluxe-80.aspx

I wouldn't recommend it today due to the $49.99 price tag. Now a days I would look for another application.

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If you just need an image of the page (not the browser frame or full desktop), the FireShot extension will do that. I have been using FireShot for some time and am quite happy with the results. I just tested it on www.speedtest.net results on my XP system and it worked. With Fireshot, you can add notations and print or save the image (full screen or just visible area). Do not opt for the paid "Pro" version, just use the free version. If you use it, you may want to block outgoing connection to screenshot-program.com in your firewall; I do not know why it tries to make that contact with it each screen capture, but it works fine with the firewall blocking the outgoing connection.

FireShot: https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/5648/



You need to update your plugins. It is important to keep them updated due to continuing security fixes and improvements in those plug-ins:

  • Adobe PDF Plug-In For Firefox and Netscape "9.3.4" (ver. 9.4.0.195, a security update, was released 2010-10-05)
  1. Check your plugin versions: http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/plugincheck/
    • Note: plugin check page does not have information on all plugin versions
  2. Update Adobe Reader (PDF plugin):
    • From within your existing Adobe Reader (if you have it already installed):
      • Open the Adobe Reader program from your Programs list
      • Click Help > Check for Updates
      • Follow the prompts for updating
      • If this method works for you, skip the "Download complete installer" section below and proceed to "After the installation" below
    • Download complete installer (if you do NOT have Adobe Reader installed):
      • Use Firefox to download and SAVE the installer to your hard drive from the link in the article below
      • On the Adobe page, un-check any extra items (i.e. Free McAfee® Security Scan Plus) then click Download button
      • If you see message just under tabs, DO NOT click the Allow button, instead click below that where it says "click here to download".
      • Click "Save to File"; save to your Desktop (so you can find it)
      • After download completes, close Firefox
      • Click the installer you just downloaded and allow the install to continue
        • Note: Vista and Win7 users may need to right-click the installer and choose "Run as Administrator"
      • Download link and more information: https://support.mozilla.com/en-US/kb/Using+the+Adobe+Reader+plugin+with+Firefox#Installing_and_updating_Adobe_Reader
    • After the installation, start Firefox and check your version again.

Modified by Helper7677

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Fireshot was an excellent solution! Thanks for providing it.

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You are welcome.

Be sure to update the Adobe Reader plugin that I mentioned above.

Modified by Helper7677