Install Adobe Flash 64-bit in IE8 on W2K8 R2

Question

The situation. The BBC iPlayer worked in IE8 before I upgraded to W2K8 R2. The BBC iPlayer works in Mozilla now! In IE8 the iPlayer tells me to get Adobe flash, when I go to the Adobe site I get mumbo jumbo about running 32-bit programs in 64-bit OS.

Question: Can you point me to a link to download Adobe flash or a 64-bit OS (IE 8 Browswer).

Solution 1

Currently there is no version of Adobe Flash Player for 64-bit browsers. There is a pre-release version but I don't think it's really production-ready.

The only solution at the moment is to use the 32-bit version of IE8 which is also included in 64-bit versions of Windows.

Adobe has also a Technote discussing this topic: Flash Player support on 64-bit operating systems

Edit: If you have problems with the download page you can try to download the installer directly from this URL: Link

Solution 2

Of all the questions I have ever asked in forums, I think that this is the most far-reaching.

The problem combination: 64-bit Windows Server 2008 R2 (May also apply to 64-bit Windows 7) with IE8 – the version you get with R2 or Windows 7. In a nutshell the problem is that Adobe Flash is not supported. Adobe's help line confirm it won't work. Anyone with an IE8 browser on a 64-bit system will get driven mad if they try to install Adobe Flash.

The solution is attention to detail, seeking the 32-bit iexplorer. It's in the Program Files (x86) note the (x86). Amazingly if you use this 32-bit iexplorer (even on a 64-bit OS), you can download the Adobe Flash stuff – YouTube will then work.

The downside. You will need to Pin the iexplorer in the Programs (x86) to your Taskbar or start menu to get the benefit.

Comments

[Guy Thomas]

I see in Taskmanager iexplore*32 (along with plain iexplore). What I cannot find anywhere is a link to a download Adobe Flash for my situation, the menus just take me around in circles. I have tried your Technote link too.

[Albic]

I just included the direct download url.

[Guy Thomas]

I am grateful for your help. Unfortunately the BBC iplayer still complains about the adobe flash. I installed the file supplied by your link. Then I saw a message Install Failed. Then I installed it again, no message, but still not working.

[Guy Thomas]

I just wondered how this post would help me? If I could remind all answerers that the BBC iPlayer worked on my 64-bit Windows Server 2008 with IE8. Since I upgraded to R2, with it's new installation of IE8, I cannot get an Adobe flash add-on which does the job

[Star Chow]

You could install the 32-bit flash player for now,it works with all browsers,i guess i'm using 32-bit flash on windows 7 (64-bit) and it works just fine

[Albic]

Do other websites which require Flash (like YouTube) work?

[Guy Thomas]

I have tried again. What seems to happen is that the Adobe site detects that I have a 64-bit operating system and IE browser and forces me to this page. Which then loops and won't take me to a page where I can download a 32-bit driver. kb2.adobe.com/cps/000/6b3af6c9.html

[Guy Thomas]

No youTube does not work in IE8 on Windows Server 2008. I phoned up Adobe, they said that Flash was not supported on Windows Server 2008. -- Most disappointing of Adobe

[MDMarra]

In all fairness, it is a server OS. Browsing on servers is a no-no

[Marcin]

I was reading through the comments on other answers and noticed that you already tried installing various things. Make sure you uninstall any other Flash packages first before trying my solution.

[Guy Thomas]

Indeed, I have unistalled by installing the suggestions. Many of these intalls actually appear in the Program manager, but they don't get the job done - displaying flash. As I indicate, below, I think their is a fundamental weakness with Adobe, IE8 and 64-bit OS. One more thing, could I ask for solutions which have been tried and tested on a similar system to mine?

[Guy Thomas]

Two matters, arising: Thanks Albic, I downloaded directly from your link - no go. MarkM, I would be facinated to hear from people with 64-bit Windows 7, IE8 and Adobe.

[MDMarra]

I have x64 Win 7 with IE8 and the 32 bit browser works fine with flash.

[MDMarra]

@Guy - The Internet Explorer that comes on servers is different from the IE on desktops. If you are using the server as a workstation and not as a server and you have a legit reason to browse from it, perhaps Firefox is the way to go?

[Guy Thomas]

Thanks for the flash link. I tried it but it only works with 32-bit iexplorer

[Star Chow]

you shouldn't be running the 64-bit version of IE,use the 32-bit instead