is this a legit and correct way to install Flash player?

Report · Jun 02, 2011

I use to use the method where I went to adobe.co

m and then clicked the link to download flash player from there. It would take me through teh process where one would have to

download via the adobe download manager. I would always have problems with this where either the download manager would hang or the download manager would install but then the installation of the flash player would hang.

So I decided to try this method the last 2 times

I go to the adobe home page(adobe.com)

use the flash player uninstaller

Click on the link Flash Player Installation help

Click on windows trouble shooting

Then Click Download Player Manual Installer

Save the Flash Player 10 Active X file to my desk top
(install_flash_player_ax.exe)

then just double click and run as admin

It seems to install without issue.
It seems so simple and easy it makes me concerned if I'm doing it right. Is it really that quick and easy?

how does that file install_flash_player_ax.exe have the latest version without noting any version number?

Report · Jun 02, 2011

"how does that file install_flash_player_ax.exe have the latest version without noting any version number?"

Because Adobe doesn't go backwards with their downloads. If you downloaded it from the Flash Player downloads page, you got the latest version (as of the date you downloaded it) available.

There is a version check built into the installer as well, so if you try to install an older version than you have, it will warn you that you are attempting to install older software than what you're currently running.

I ALWAYS use the manual installer (saved to my downloads folder). I have never been a fan of "running" downloaded software as it downloads. If something goes wrong with the install in the middle, it can really screw things up. Imagine being in the middle of a 168Mb download and install of Norton Systemworks, and lightning strikes a transformer in the parking lot outside your workplace, shutting the entire building down until the generators could start. I toasted a $900 HP desktop for my former employer that day.

Report · Jun 02, 2011

RGV1939 wrote:
how does that file install_flash_player_ax.exe have the latest version without noting any version number?

Right-click on the file, select Properteries, then go to the Version tab - voilà here's the version number.

Report · Jun 02, 2011

Pat- so using the method I outlined above and bypassing the adobe download manager -

it is a safe and effective way to get the current flash player, yes?

and probably better than using the adobe download manager method?

Report · Jun 02, 2011

Hi , I can't speak for Pat (I'm sure he'll agree though), but how you Uninstalled/Installed in my opinion is the BEST way

Nice & clean too. Yes, it's fast. I use the automatic Flash Player notification and receive a prompt from Adobe and it is all done in less than 2 minutes!! I love it.

eidnolb

Report · Jun 02, 2011

I agree with eidnolb - the DLM not only often fails to uninstall itself, it also bundles software other than what you actually want on your computer. I avoid it at all cost.

B.t.w. if you also use Adobe Reader, you can download the executable installers (without DLM) from http://get.adobe.com/reader/enterprise/