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Q/A: Downloading Flash players on a Mac?

Posted on by Rebecca Gould

Could you address the problems associated with downloading Flash players on Macs?  I cannot get an install to complete when I try to do it on my home computer.  In the past I have had to remove all plug-ins and start over, but should this happen every time I upgrade the flash player?

Answer

This is really a two step question, depending on the error message. The first potential problem could arise with not having the latest version of Flash Player.

  1. To check your current version of Flash Player visit: http://www.adobe.com/products/flash/about/ – the latest version is 9.0.124.0
  2. If you have an outdated version download the latest version: http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/
  3. In addition to the latest version of the Flash Player, problems can arise by not having the latest version of your browser. Check to make sure you have Safari and/or Firefox updated to the latest versions. Firefox: Help > Check for Updates, Safari: Apple > Software Update…

The second problem that can occur happens when installing:

  1. Check to see if you have write privileges to all the directories in which Flash is being installed. This could happen if the user is on a limited account. To check to see if you have the requisite admin privileges, go to Apple > System Preferences… > Accounts. If not, you’ll need to login as the admin.To check an individual directory, click on the folder and then go to File > Get Info. Under Sharing & Permissions, check to make sure that you have both read and write privilege.Another problem can occur when users inadvertently alter their privileges settings. To fix permissions errors, you can run a repair privileges utility, read more here.
  2. Some users have reported problems with the install hanging, unable to complete. If everything is updated, it may be best to try uninstalling the Flash Player and start over. This can occur if there was an error with your previous version of Flash.
  3. Some users have reported success by uninstalling Firefox, installing Flash Player, and then reinstalling Firefox. You could try this as a more drastic measure.

For Adobe’s own troubleshooting steps (Intel-based Macs)

Beyond these measures you may want to do some searching to find others online who have had your particular problem. Call the IT Help Desk at 785-532-7722 or helpdesk@k-state.edu for additional assistance.

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