How can I get rid of the "Could not find swflash.ocx" message?

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Guest

I installed a screensaver from a reliable site (BBC UK) and got this message
when I tried to run it. So I deleted the dowloaded file. Now I get this
message every 10 mins or so. I am a luddite and don't feel confident about
changing registry etc - is there any help you can give please?
Thanks
Hoss
 
I installed a screensaver from a reliable site (BBC UK) and got this message
when I tried to run it. So I deleted the dowloaded file. Now I get this
message every 10 mins or so. I am a luddite and don't feel confident about
changing registry etc - is there any help you can give please?
Thanks
Hoss
Click to expand...

swflash.ocx is the activex control for the flash plugin by macromedia. A
lot of sites make legitimate use of this. However, many also include ads
powered by the flash plugin - those blinking action ads that can be very
distracting.

It sounds like you are on a web page that has a constant feed of ads that
require the plugin - hence the repeated prompt for the plugin. Either your
plugin is damaged or it is not installed at all. The error is not critical
and can be ignored unless there actually is some flash content that you
would like to view.

First be sure that all traces of flash are uninstalled. To do this (if
using Internet Explorer), go to Internet Options>General> Temporary
Internet Files> Settings> View Objects

Or open Windows Explorer to \Windows\Downloaded Programs\

and delete anything that says "flash."

To reinstall: You can go right to www.macromedia.com to download and
install the flash player (my personal preference)

or you can visit a site and okay the install prompt that will appear.

NOTE: Some of the internet security programs and anti-spyware programs
include "flash killer" settings. If you have software of this type
installed, check its settings and preferences for flash options.
Enable/disable as you see fit for your browsing habits.
 
Thanks Sharon F. I tried this but still the message pops up regulalry. I
think I'll go to the macromedia site and install the whole thing - or maybe I
could just download the .ocx file?
Cheers
Hoss
 
Thanks Sharon F. I tried this but still the message pops up regulalry. I
think I'll go to the macromedia site and install the whole thing - or maybe I
could just download the .ocx file?
Cheers
Hoss
Click to expand...

I've had the best luck with going right to the macromedia site and
downloading/installing from there. It's a complete package - the .ocx file
is just a small part and will be included.
 
Oh Dear
Did what you said and downloaded the complete thing. I got the same message
after 10 mins. I'll switch off and re-start, and see if that does anything?
Thanks Sharon
Cheers
Hoss
 
Hoss said:
Oh Dear
Did what you said and downloaded the complete thing. I got the same message
after 10 mins. I'll switch off and re-start, and see if that does anything?
Thanks Sharon
Cheers
Hoss
Click to expand...

Hoss, if you continue to have problems, might try the Macromedia support
areas. They should best know the fixes and workaround for their software
on various operating systems.
 
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