Avatar for Username

Search Support

Avoid support scams. We will never ask you to call or text a phone number or share personal information. Please report suspicious activity using the “Report Abuse” option.

Learn More

This thread was archived. Please ask a new question if you need help.

Adobe Flash failed to initialize. How do I fix it? Thanks!

  • 2 replies
  • 69 have this problem
  • 2 views
  • Last reply by DrWhom

jcroddy
jcroddy
more options

When I try to install Adobe Flash through Firefox, I receive the message that it failed to initialize after I have clicked run.

When I try to install Adobe Flash through Firefox, I receive the message that it failed to initialize after I have clicked run.

All Replies (2)

SafeBrowser
SafeBrowser
more options

There are 2 versions of Adobe Flash:

  • an ActiveX version for IE only
  • a Plugin version for most other browsers including Firefox
  • On a Windows system, you should always update both individually.

You do not appear to have the Plugin version for Firefox installed. If you did, in Add-ons > Plugins you would see "Shockwave Flash (version)". If "Shockwave Flash" is there and is disabled, click the "Enable" button.

Check your Plugins often --> http://www.mozilla.org/en-US/plugincheck/

  • only the most popular/used Plugins are known by this page
  • page will detect only installed, enabled Plugins

Install or update Adobe Flash

  1. Using Firefox, go to the following link and SAVE the download to your desktop so you can find it later. Un-check any items on that page that you do not want to download (i.e., "McAfee Security Scan Plus":
  2. When the download is finished, close Firefox (File > Exit OR Firefox button > Exit)
  3. Click or double-click on the file you just saved to your desktop
    • In the installation window that appears, click the box to the left of "I have read and...." to place a check mark in the box
    • The "Install" button in the lower right corner will now be highlighted, click it.
    • The installation is quick.
  4. Start Firefox and test your installation here: https://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/
  5. To update/install the ActiveX version for IE only, repeat the process, but use IE to go to the above website.


If this reply solves your problem, please click "Solved It" next to this reply when signed-in to the forum.

DrWhom
DrWhom
more options

I have uninstalled Flash 11,1,102,62 & attempted to install 11.1.102.63 numerous times. the update always "fails to initialize". I am warned by Firefox that I must update "now". But I can't get it to work. Windows XP updated. Malwarebytes disabled during process. Reboots performed in-between steps. WTF?