This site will have limited functionality while we undergo maintenance to improve your experience. If an article doesn't solve your issue and you want to ask a question, we have our support community waiting to help you at @FirefoxSupport on Twitter and/r/firefox on Reddit.

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

I've installed Flashplayer but Firefox acts as if it's not installed

  • 6 replies
  • 15 have this problem
  • 15 views
  • Last reply by TonyE

more options

I've just installed Firefox, and so far am loving it. However, I just had to install flashplayer, and Firefox doesn't seem to want to run it. I've uninstalled Flashplayer and tried reinstalling it, which didn't work. I uninstalled it then installed it via IE (telling the page to "instal for firefox") That didn't work either. How do I get Firefox to recognise Flashplayer and use it once it's installed? Many thanks, I look forward to your help.

I've just installed Firefox, and so far am loving it. However, I just had to install flashplayer, and Firefox doesn't seem to want to run it. I've uninstalled Flashplayer and tried reinstalling it, which didn't work. I uninstalled it then installed it via IE (telling the page to "instal for firefox") That didn't work either. How do I get Firefox to recognise Flashplayer and use it once it's installed? Many thanks, I look forward to your help.

All Replies (6)

more options

There are 2 versions of the Flash Player, IE and Firefox use different versions.

To install the version used by Firefox, visit this link using Firefox - http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer

Using that link you can download the Flash setup file for the version used by Firefox. Once downloaded, close Firefox than run the setup file to install Flash.

more options

Dear TonyE Thanks for your reply, I appreciate your help. I have downloaded the FlashPlayer version which is specifically for Firefox. I have also uninstalled it and reinstalled it a dozen times now. I have tried closing Firefox before installing. I have tried rebooting the computer before installing. I have tried rebooting the computer immediately after installing. I have tried downloading & installing the firefox version from IE. I have tried disabling my Avira Virus Scanner's ability to disable autorun. Firefox simply does not want to use FlashPlayer. Do you have any other suggestions? Cheers, Tracy

Modified by jeztrac

more options

A couple of things to check.

Make sure that the option to scan for plugins is turned on, it will be very unusual if it is turned off but worth checking

  1. Type about:config into the location bar and press enter
  2. Accept the warning message that appears, you will be taken to a list of preferences
  3. Locate the preference plugin.scan.plid.all, it should be set to true, if it is not double-click on it to change its value

The file that stores details of plugins may be damaged, try renaming this file which will force Firefox to scan for all plugins. This can be caused if one of the files that stores details of installed extensions is corrupt.

  1. Open your profile folder, for details of how to find it see https://support.mozilla.com/kb/Profiles
  2. Close Firefox
  3. Rename pluginreg.dat to pluginreg.old
  4. Re-start Firefox, it will then rebuild the list of plugins
more options

Hi Tony E and thanks for your reply. I tried both of your suggestions. The scan for plugins was already set to 'true' so I didn't have to change that. I renamed the file you mentioned from pluginreg.dat to pluginreg.old too. Unfortunately neither has worked. I'm going to uninstall and reinstall Firefox. Other than that, I really don't know what else to try. Any other ideas? Best, Tracy

more options

I have uninstalled and reinstalled Firefox, but it still does not recognize that I have Flashplayer. I tried downloading FlashPlayer again, but it didn't work. My computer recognizes that it was installed - it shows up in my "Add & Remove Programs" list, but FF just acts as if it's not installed. What is going on? Any help would be much appreciated. Thanks

more options

This troubleshooting guide from Adobe may help - http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/191/tn_19166.html