Skip to main content
D
dgaizo
Participant
December 21, 2020
Answered

File Explorer not working since Adobe uninstalled Flash Player

  • December 21, 2020
  • 4 replies
  • 713 views

Yesterday I got a popup from Adobe in regard to uninstalling Flash Player.  The popup had a button to uninstall Flash Player.  Since it was uninstalled I can no longer open File Explorer in Windows.  It closes immediately.  I also cannot save or open any files in Adobe PS since it also uses File Explorer.

 

I need this fixed asap as you can see it is a critical component of a computer.

 

This topic has been closed for replies.
Correct answer Nancy OShea

Many things can effect performance of Windows File Explorer.  Flash Player is NOT one of them.

 

Some things to try:

  • Reboot computer in Safe Mode.
  • Run system file checker.
  • Update drivers.
  • Run disk cleanup.
  • Perform a thorough virus and spyware scan.
  • Restore system to a previous state.
  • Re-install Windows.

 

4 replies

J
Adobe Employee
jeromie_adobe
Adobe Employee
December 23, 2020

When in doubt, reboot.  I'd be very surprised if the issue persists through a reboot.

 

There's no way this is directly Flash related, but the act of uninstalling may have exacerbated some underlying problem (corrupted filesystem, corrupted registry, etc.).  Nancy's advice is solid and speaks directly to this.   

 

I'm happy to try and help if you're still running into problems, but that list is exactly what I'd have you do. 

 

We're heading into our winter shutdown (today is the last working day of the year).  Feel free to send me a DM to get my attention (just click my name and choose "send message").  I'll keep an eye out.

Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity Expert
Community Expert
December 24, 2020

@jeromie_adobe,

"We're heading into our winter shutdown (today is the last working day of the year)."

 

Best wishes for a healthy & joyful holiday season. 2021 can't come soon enough!!

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Nancy OShea
Community Expert
Nancy OSheaCommunity ExpertCorrect answer
Community Expert
December 21, 2020

Many things can effect performance of Windows File Explorer.  Flash Player is NOT one of them.

 

Some things to try:

  • Reboot computer in Safe Mode.
  • Run system file checker.
  • Update drivers.
  • Run disk cleanup.
  • Perform a thorough virus and spyware scan.
  • Restore system to a previous state.
  • Re-install Windows.

 

Nancy O'Shea— Product User & Community Expert
Just Shoot Me
Just Shoot Me
Legend
December 21, 2020

Quote:

Since it was uninstalled I can no longer open File Explorer in Windows

End Quote:

 

That is a completely Erroneous statement. Flash Player has Nothing to do with Windows File Explorer and is not needed by File Explorer for that program to function.

 

Have you restarted your system lately?

D
dgaizoAuthor
Participant
December 21, 2020

I don't see why you say it is an erroneous statement.  The only change that day was Adobe uninstalling Flash Player.  I have not been able to use File Explorer since then.  In fact I actually was in it prior to the uninstall and it was working fine.  Right after Flash was uninstalled it no longer worked.

 

I'm not sure what the uninstall program touched or if there were files removed that were shared or something got corrupt in the process.   I have indeed restarted and have also gone through all the suggestions to  "Fix File Explorer" on Microsofts site.  None of which have helped.

Just Shoot Me
Just Shoot Me
Legend
December 22, 2020

And when was the last time you restarted your system? I ask that question in my first reply. You have not answered that question.

 

I don't have flash player installed on my Windows 10 computer. Windows File Explorer works fine.

 

John T Smith
Community Expert
John T SmithCommunity Expert
Community Expert
December 21, 2020

Adobe is no longer developing that product https://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/end-of-life.html

 

Getting Flash Player https://get.adobe.com/flashplayer to reinstall

    D
    dgaizoAuthor
    Participant
    December 21, 2020

    The issue started when Adobe uninstalled Flash yesterday from my computer.  I know it is no longer being developed.  That is why I said yes to allow the popup from Adobe to uninstall it.

    Terms & ConditionsAccessibility statement
    Using the community Terms of use Privacy Cookie preferences Do not sell or share my personal information ad choicesAdChoices