Why are we so dependent on Adobe?

[chakka35]

After many hours trying and failing to install Adobe Flashplayer 10 etc., I resent the fact that there are so many items that I can't download or even look at without this wretched device which refuses to be installed. (Actually, it always claims to be installed but never appears in my list of programs and never works.)

Why are we held hostage like this? Is there any way around this Adobe tyranny? I work Windows XP.

(I'll go and get a large G&T while I'm waiting.)

[ChuckFickens]

There is a couple, the main one's called gnash, but as it's written by reverse engineering flash it's always at least one or two versions behind flash in what it will support. and if you want the latest version of gnash you have to compile it yourself from the source code.
http://www.gnu.org/software/gnash/

Have you tried the flash uninstaller? run it, restart your computer and then try installing flash again
http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/141/tn_14157.html

[chakka35]

Thanks, ChuckFickens, helpful as always. I'm sure I've tried that in my many attempts but I'll try it again.

[AlBags]

Personally .. I can't see how anyone can have so many problems with it.
I believe the program is not the problem .. rather than a destination/user machine problem.
Do as above.
There will be an entry under Adobe in Add/Remove when installed.
It should be 10.2/10.3 ActiveX and plugin.

[chakka35]

Well, I've been through it all again, doing all th right things. Adobe also appears to do all the right things, going through the installation process with a final assurance that Adobe FlashPlayer is now installed.

But it does not appear in my list of programs. In ADD/REMOVE it appears without the usual indication of its size in MB. Finally, whenever I try to download anything that requires FlashPlayer I get a blank screen with a series of rectangles reading New Tab jogging back and forth across top of screen while my cursor flickers fast between the usual arrow and the egg-timer.

I agree with your sentiment, Albags, but I am not alone. In the Adobe Forum there are lots of people who also complain that the program claims to be installed when it isn't.

I dunno.. I really dunno.. I really don't feel inclined to pay Adobe the number of dollars they want to give me personal advice.