This is exactly my problem, but sadly not the solution. I have removed all
traces of Macromedia from my computer with the uninstaller and by brute force,
but I still can't install FP8. I run into the same problem you had, but I don't
have two copies of flash player shown in add/remove programs (I don't have one
copy, either!). Nevertheless, when I try to download FP8, it skips the
'download now' screen and goes directly to the 'install now' screen, which does
NOTHING, no matter how long I wait.

After I do this, though, I notice that 'easy' flash objects won't even display
on IE. For example, without any copy of FP, I can see the image displayed at
the top of the 'macromedia.com' website. However, after installing FP8
(unsuccessfully), this image no longer shows up at all. Instead, I get a blank
box with an 'x' in the upper left corner, or a blank box with the 'circle,
triangle, square' icon in the upper left corner. You know, the 'flash player
ain't working' icon...

I am able to uninstall FP8 just fine, using an uninstaller I download from
macromedia, and it completes just fine. I also downloaded
'flashplayer7_ax.exe' and it completes installation perfectly. However, it
does NOT WORK! No flash movies will display with this program installed, and
even simple objects handled by flash player (like the screen at the top of
'www.macromedia.com') will not display either.

It almost seems like internet explorer is blocking flash videos, but believe
me, my security settings are correct. I am in custom mode, 'medium' setting,
and I double checked to make sure signed flash objects can be downloaded and
run.

Any other ideas? This is really driving me Nutty!

Hi al4sure - I have the same problem exactly and haven't been able to resolve
it for over 6mths! It will download and install fine on my old PC, but not on
my Dell Laptop with Windows XP Home with Service Pack 2. I really want to
resolve this as so many sites need Flash Player.

The common factor so far is that we are both using a Dell. Mine is a Inspiron
8100. What's yours?:disgust;

Mine's a 5150. That's pretty interesting- I'll have to contact Dell again
about it. Lately, my Dell updates (which pop up periodically on the windows
toolbar) have not been readable either. There's a runtime error, and I can't
read the text that should pop up in the text balloon. Are you having a similar
problem?

Hey Yearn-

I don't think it's a Dell problem anymore. It's a 'Internet Explorer is a
piece of crap' problem. Firefox works great. Download it and watch all the
flash movies you like.

I'm sure I'm sacrificing some security, but I'll button all of that up on my
own.

DOWN WITH INTERNET EXPLORER! (and Netscape Nav.!)

FIREFOX RULES WITH AN IRON FIST!

Interesting .. most cases I've heard it is IE that works fine and Firefox
has problems. maybe you are just lucky (or unlucky)
--
Jeckyl

....back from the field now. Thanks Al4sure - good sugggestion. So if you have
Firefox you can download and run FP8, or you don't need it? Actually, I have
been thinking of loading Firefox, so this will be impetus that I need. Will
let you know how I go.