Before installing the Flash Player please ensure that you have the following settings correctly set:

Internet Explorer ActiveX settings
Although your browser security settings should be chosen by you or your system Administrator, the 'Medium: Default Level' will allow you to view Macromedia Flash content. For any Custom Level, ensure that both "Download Signed ActiveX controls" and "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins" are not disabled. (Enable or Prompt will work).

To view your Security Level do the following:

1. Open Internet Explorer.
2. Choose Tools then Internet Options.
3. Select the Security tab.
4. Choose Internet.
5. Ensure that "Download Signed ActiveX controls" and "Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins" are not disabled.

If you are having trouble installing make certain that your Internet Explorer security level is not set to High or at a custom level which does not allow viewing of ActiveX controls.

Computer user permissions
User permissions determine whether or not you are allowed to install ActiveX controls or plug-ins. If you don't have Administrator access to your Windows NT, 2000, or XP equipped computer, you may not be able to install the Flash Player successfully. Permissions can be tricky but, in general, you should be able to install and use the Macromedia Flash Player if your system Administrator has provided full access to the Macromed directory (C:\Winnt\System32\Macromed\).

Macintosh OS X users must also have proper access to run the Flash Player on Netscape 6. If you have problems with this configuration, refer to Netscape 6.2 has problems utilizing the Macromedia Flash Player 6 plug-in on OS X (TechNote 16214).

All web browsers must be closed
When installing Flash Player with the standalone installer, all of your web browser windows must be closed. You will also need to close any application that makes any HTTP requests using the browser. Examples of this type of software include but are not limited to weather applications, messenger services, or audio or video media players.

Previous versions of Macromedia Flash Player should be removed
Uninstall any previous version of Flash Player before using the standalone installer. For instructions on removing the player, please see How to uninstall the Macromedia Flash Player plug-in and ActiveX control (TN 14157).

After these settings are in place, you are ready to download and/or install the Flash Player.