What is causing Flash Player to crash shortly after I download and install the latest version

Question

It only normally lasts a day or two, but the last time it crashed on the first use the same day I downloaded and installed it. I am running Windows 7 Home Edition with Firefox as my browser, and I have Bitdefender antivirus as well as MalwareBytes anti malware installed and active. As far as I can tell Flash Player is the only program affected this way. Is there any other substitute player I can install that works as a plugin to Firefox and won't crash the day it's installed?

Answer 1

When I used to see this with Win 7 it was because the Shockwave player (not Flash) was outdated.
To make sure you're up to date for both, download the following:
Flash Player Uninstaller
Flash Player Plug-in (All other browsers)
Also, download these:
Shockwave Player Uninstaller
Shockwave Player 12 FULL installer (ther browsers)
Save all the files and close your browser.
Run the uninstallers first (both of them)
Go to: C/Windows/System32
Delete the Macromed folder.
Go to: C/Windows/SysWOW64 (if your Windows is 64 bit)
Delete the Macromed folder.
Open your Registry Editor (Start>Run or press the Windows key + R and type 'regedit' [minus the quotes] and click OK)
In the Registry Editor, go to:
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE/SOFTWARE
Delete the Macromedia folder (Right click and choose "Delete").
Go to:
HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software and delete the Macromedia folder there too.
Close the Registry Editor and empty your recycle bin.
Run the Flash Player installer, and then the Shockwave FULL installer.
Worst case: If that doesn't stop the crashes, try resetting Firefox: https://support.mozilla.org/en-US/kb/reset-firefox-easily-fix-most-problems