The regular Flash installers are small stub programs that download the rest of the required files when they run. They won't work if the computer is offline (computer offline is not the same thing as closing the browser ... the computer is still online when the browser is closed unless the network cable is unplugged or WiFi is turned off).

The installers provided in the "Still having problems?" section of the help page that kbarb linked are full installers ... much larger files ... and they can be run offline since there are no active download involved.

Win XP, Firefox.

Thank you for the advice, however I have tried for two weeks to install Flash. I followed all the directions on the Troubleshooting links and nothing, same black installer screen

I am online and WiFi is always on. Cannot update Flash.

Every day I get a message from Flash to update and I try each morning with the same problem. Blank screen (see above). When I shut down that blank window, IE pops open. I never use IE yet it opens. I've tried downloading the update from IE and my Windows download folder. Same thing.

I have emailed Adobe for help a week ago and never got a response.

Any hope for me?

Thanks, as always,
Jane

Actually I don't follow any instructions on that page - I just use it to get the links for the installer downloads.

But you're saying, you used Firefox to download the installers from the troubleshooting page, and when you click on them to install, it doesn't complete or work ?
Or are you doing something else.

(Remember you do have to close the browsers first. Sometimes Firefox will not be visible, but when you open Task Manager, it's actually still running and you have to terminate it from there. You might want to check on that, but usually you get a message advising to close the browser anyway.)

Another thing that comes to mind is a Firewall blocking it from running.

Also, you might want to try the Flash uninstaller first, then try the installers again.

Flash Player Help / Uninstall Flash Player | Windows

It sounds like IE is set as your default browser. To change it to Firefox, click Tools, then Options and on the General tab choose 'Make Default'. I didn't read everything but you've checked for toolbars that could be blocking the install, correct?

Maybe I missed it, but I don't see if you are trying to Run the update or Save and install it. Quite a while back I had to save and install as the run offering would not complete.

Also, I didn't see where you reported you are focused on the dedicated Flash version for non-IE.

I personally like the suggested idea of uninstalling Flash and a clean install.

DA

I've had the same problem .. if I can call something i don't care about a problem .. for a while. In IE 8, when the install now button is pressed an error message pops up telling me internet explorer can not open the website admdownload.adobe.com ... blah blah blah ...

I don't use IE8 for much anymore certainly nothing that requires flash and both Firefox and Chrome have the latest Flash installed so I think I'll continue to ignore it.

Actually Firefox and Chrome do not have Flash installed by default.

Plus it's pretty important to keep it up to date, as security holes and patches for them come out fairly frequently.

I know.. I don't use it for much but occasionally I get bored and go to mini clip to play stupid games

In W8/8.1, IE Flash upgrades come via Windows Update.

DA

That I didn't know... maybe it is time to troll the registry for Adobe/Flash updaters/schedulers. The Flash update service has long been disabled...

Still no luck. Can't get Flash to install. I always 'save' a download and run it myself. It goes as far as 'run' and then a blank screen. IE is not the default and never has been. I use Firefox exclusively. No Chrome.

This is an XP machine with no problems. Maybe the Flash problem is related to the old operating system.

Thanks,
Jane

It could be XP - I've had more and more troubles with on XP machines.

Did you try the Flash uninstall first ? You didn't say anything about that.
Also did you check to make sure that Firefox is not actually running ? You didn't say anything about that.

I'm still wondering about an inadvertent firewall problem, although if that were the case, it probably wouldn't even start to run.
And what about some kind of malware/antivirus software that could be blocking it. Do you have anything like that going, that you could temporarily disable or turn off ?

What about trying, "Run as Administrator" ?

I didn't run the uninstall because I found the directions confusing. I do know I have the old version. I will double check to make sure FF isn't running in the background before trying again. I do save the install to my desktop and shut everything down before trying to run it. But I'll double check with Task Manager.

I'm using Zone Alarm and would assume it would ask permission if it didn't allow it. I use AVAST as AV and haven't gotten any warning from them. Only other protection is Malwarebytes and Spywareblaster.

Never had problems installing it before. I do some stock research and Flash is required for that.

I'll keep trying. Thank you for your help,

Jane

I run XP on one of several systems. I have gotten failures on the Flash auto-update function but it always works via the downloaded full installer. I use Avast. No Zone Alarm.

I would download everything you need, first : the Installer(s) and Uninstaller.
Then follow the first simple set of instructions for the Uninstaller :

-- Exit all browsers and other programs that use Flash. (That is, just close Firefox if that's what you're using.
-- Run the uninstaller.

If after that, running the installer doesn't work, I would turn off all that software you mentioned, then try again. You can unplug from the internet while running the installer if you're worried.

Also you could turn them all off first, right after downloading everything you need, then run the Uninstaller, then the Installer.

Go to the page linked below and scroll to the bottom where is asks if you're still having problems. Select the direct update site applicable to your system and the installation/update should install with no further problems. I have Firefox's version of Flash...NPAPI...and I always had trouble with updates until I discovered this page. This has never failed me and you needn't uninstall/reinstall anything.

https://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/installation-problems-flash-player-windows.html

Actually we already went over that.

Ooops! Sorry. I did a quick scan of the posts above and didn't readily see it mentioned. My bad!

I checked...and didn't see mention of this. :-) Another suggestion! Jane's system may have a corrupt airappinstaller .exe [space intentional] file. That would make uploading updates impossible. It can happen for any number of reasons and did happen to me some time ago. I think one of my trial security programs didn't like it. Fortunately...I discovered the problem and loaded a new file.

How, Anne? Tried everything listed above and still can't install it. I tried the uninstall (to the best of my ability). Same blank screen.

"may have a corrupt airappinstaller .exe "

So, how do I correct that. I'm getting nervous as I keep getting Adobe notices for the upgrade every time I turn the computer on. I do need Flash but do use Firefox. I can't upgrade IE on an XP machine.

Thanks for the help,
Jane

So you tried disabling all that malware/antivirus type software etc, and it still won't run ?

What do you mean by, "I tried the uninstall (to the best of my ability)."
You just click on the uninstaller and run it, that's all. Did it run and do an uninstall ?

Also have you tried checking Event Viewer in Administrator Tools to see if there's any report of it not completing an install there ?

And I'm assuming you've rebooted now and then in between trying to run the installer.

Also I'm assuming you're running the correct Flash Installer for Firefox :

Flash Player for Firefox - NPAPI

So the waters don't get muddied innocently, there is no Flash for Firefox. There is only a Flash for the IE browser, and a Flash for non-IE browsers.

DA

In my case, Jane...I reinstalled Adobe Air. Filehippo is a very trustworthy site and this link will take you to the Adobe Air free download. It's been my experience that this is a required program for almost anything Adobe that I've had in the past. Please let us know if this does the trick.

http://www.filehippo.com/download_adobe_air/

DA...there actually is a version of flash just for Firefox called Adobe Flash Protected Mode. I've tried to link the info below but I'm not sure this link is going to work. If it doesn't...do a search for Adobe Flash Protected Mode. That should give you all the info. Plus...if you scroll down that link that I posted...that had been posted before...you'll see the download marked specifically for Firefox. Personally...I don't think this is Jane's problem. To my knowledge...Firefox protected mode [NPAPI] has only been available for Win 7 - 8. If I read her posts correctly...she's still using XP.

adobe.com/security/2012/06/inside-flash-player-protected-mode-for-firefox.html

A quick read left me with the impression that Protected Mode was an additional service created in non-IE Flash to plug FF leaks by putting the browser in a sandbox situation.

If you go to let's say Filehippo only two Flash upgrades are still offered, IE and non-IE.

I might have more to contribute or get an awakening when I have time to do some more reading.

DA

DA..let's see if this link works better. Your understanding is correct. And you're right about Hippo only offering IE or non IE. The Firefox protected mode isn't actually an independent Flash program per se but is referred to as the specific version for Firefox because it offers the protection. It's my understanding that this particular variety is also offered in Chrome. This protected mode does not use Active X. As far as I can tell...that may be the only difference...but don't hold me to that. :-) I'm not a programmer. Just a simple user.

https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/adobe-flash-protected-mode-firefox

I'm not sure why you guys are suggesting going to a 3rd party for Flash installers.
If you go to Adobe's page for "Installation Problems" - that I linked to in the very first reply - it clearly shows the three different installers, including, in fact, the one for Firefox.
And I've used them successfully on XP machines.

Also I'm hoping Jane gives some more information - answers to the questions I posed for her just above - as I don't feel we have the complete picture of what's been tried so far.

ps : Adobe Air, from Wikipedia :
"Adobe AIR is a runtime environment that allows Adobe Flash content and ActionScript 3.0 code to construct applications and video games that run outside a web browser, " so I think you're getting a bit sidetracked there.
Sorry, I don't mean to sound peremptory or anything like that, I'm just trying to keep Jane on track.

I for one am not promoting third party downloads. Very poor conclusion. My reference to Filehippo was obviously and plainly an observation.

DA

DA - Jeeze, that's getting a bit personal. My comments above weren't meant to be personal criticism or a disparaging comments, and not directed at you personally so please, I hope you don't interpret them as such. Sorry if the motivation for my comments wasn't clear - it's hard to set the exact tone using just a keyboard.
As I wrote, I'm just a little concerned that Jane will get sidetracked trying things that might lead to more confusion.
For the record though, I think it's better to stick to Adobe's installer downloads, if she's not all that computer savvy.

Not personal just setting the record straight with focus on the lurkers to the thread.

DA

"may have a corrupt airappinstaller .exe "

Adobe air is not Flash Player. nor required for Flash Player

http://download.macromedia.com/get/flashplayer/current/support/uninstall_flash_player.exe << uninstaller removes all flash players

Restart computer before installing;

http://fpdownload.adobe.com/get/flashplayer/pdc/18.0.0.194/install_flash_player.exe >>> Flash for non ie

http://fpdownload.adobe.com/get/flashplayer/pdc/18.0.0.194/install_flash_player_ax.exe >>> Flash for IE older versions.

If you do want to install Adobe Air; http://airdownload.adobe.com/air/win/download/latest/AdobeAIRInstaller.exe

What is Adobe® AIR

Adobe AIR is a cross-operating-system runtime that lets
developers combine HTML, JavaScript, Adobe Flash® and Flex technologies,
and ActionScript® to deploy rich Internet applications (RIAs) on a
broad range of devices including desktop computers, netbooks, tablets,
smartphones, and TVs. AIR allows developers to use familiar tools such
as Adobe Dreamweaver®, Flash Builder®, Flash Catalyst®, Flash
Professional, or any text editor to build their applications and easily
deliver a single application installer that works across operating
systems.

How does Adobe AIR compare with Flash Player?

Adobe Flash Player is a browser plug-in that provides advantages
for users and content creators in the browser, including the ability to
deliver RIAs in the browser. AIR incorporates technologies originally
developed in Flash Player and enables RIAs on the desktop. AIR and Flash
Player provide complementary deployment methods for RIAs.

If a program needs adobe AIR,, it will offer a link to install it. Very rare for most people to need adobe AIR.

I think I got it in. It is showing in Control Panel but listed as non-Active X.

Thank you for all your help. I spent a few hours on this today. I did the uninstaller, thank you kbarb. I didn't do the complicated one looking for files. I downloaded the link Anne provided. Started the computer in safe mode and Flash installed.

Not quite sure what I did (to be honest) but believe it is there finally. I never had trouble installing in the past so this was confusing. I notice it said it was installing version 18.0 which doesn't appear to be the most updated but I'm leaving well enough alone.

I can't express my appreciation for the wonderful help I was given by the greatest people on Garden Web.

Jane

Thank you, Jane for coming back to tell us the good news. I'm sure myself the rest of the gang...are delighted that we could help and the problem is solved. :-) Happy computing!

I'm glad you got it wired. It would have been interesting to know what the glitch was, but computers aren't always that forthcoming.

Flash at this moment is at version 18.0.0.194
Unfortunately, if history is any proof, it won't be long before another update comes around.
Hopefully it won't be as problematic for you.

ps:
That Adobe AIR thing is a bit out of left field though.
It's great to have a lot of contributors with creative ideas, but Adobe Air is for running Flash, etc on the desktop, and if a non computer savvy person is sent in that direction, there's a risk in compounding and complicating the problems that exist already. For example, it's likely that there would then not only be update notices for Flash, but other components of Adobe AIR. And a new program would then be onboard, making changes to the registry, and so on. Virtually no regular user installs it.

Thanks again. I did not download Adobe Air. I just tried to get the Flash update. Because I never had problems installing it before, I really didn't understand what everyone was talking about. I had tried the uninstaller quite a few times over the week but I still couldn't install.

I downloaded Anne's link and started the computer in Safe Mode. Not sure if Safe Mode really helped anything, but I couldn't stop AVAST from running nor Spywareblaster (both recommended to shut down). IE kept popping up and when I tried to shut that down in Task Manager, my screen went blank. So I went into safe-mode without networking and installed Flash.

It worked!! Not sure what happened, but I am glad to get this overwith. Gave me a lot of nervous grief all this time. I just want to be safe until I get a new computer.

Everyone was so kind and I so appreciate it. Wish I could take everyone out to lunch!

Jane

I'd bet it had something to do with Avast, Spywareblaster or the like, and somehow running the installer in Safe Mode kept whatever it was of those from interfering. Who knows though.
You might have to continue with that method, unfortunately, but at least you found a solution. IE popping up like that is weird to me.