How to install flash without rendering Safari useless?

Question

Hi folks. I have an ancient (2007) MBP running 10.7.4.
Several months ago, after installing 10.7, Safari stopped connecting 95% of the time regardless of user account, so I used Firefox until a few weeks ago when I was able to get Safari to work by removing ADOBE FLASH plugins. I also installed CLICK TO PLUGIN. The other day I needed to watch a video and was bummed to be told I needed FLASH. So I downloaded it, hoping that somehow all would be fine, or at least that I could use CTP to turn the flash plugin off. Sure enough, after downloading FLASH from Adobe's site, Safari quit working, but for some reason, only for my main user account.
Any ideas?
BTW: I should mention that the onset of this problem coincided with other ongoing problems:
(1) ridiculous fan noise
(2) system will not automatically join home wifi network
(3) system will not sleep when scheduled, only when ordered to or when top is closed
Thanks!

Answer 1

First, uninstall Flash: http://helpx.adobe.com/flash-player/kb/uninstall-flash-player-mac-os.html
Follow the instructions carefully.
Then, install Flash: http://get.adobe.com/flashplayer/
... Safari quit working, but for some reason, only for my main user account.
If Safari is misbehaving only for your account, you can try several remedies in the following order:
Reset Safari: Safari menu. Check all the boxes that appear relevant.
Clear Safari's cache: Depending on your version of Safari, that may be in the Safari menu. If it is not there, then go to Safari's Preferences > Advanced, and enable the Develop menu. "Empty Caches" will appear in the Develop menu.
IF that does not fix things, then there is some other problem with your user account. Check your login items and whatever third party programs you may have installed. In particular, uninstall any and all third party "anti-virus" or similar snake oil utilities.
Next problem: Problems related to fans, power, or sleep all justify an SMC reset:
Resetting the System Management Controller (SMC)
Resetting the SMC on Mac portables with a battery you can remove
Shut down the computer.
Disconnect the MagSafe power adapter from the computer, if it's connected.
Remove the battery (to remove the battery - click here: MacBook or MacBook Pro).
Press and hold the power button for 5 seconds.
Release the power button.
Reconnect the battery and MagSafe power adapter.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Resetting the SMC on portables with a battery you should not remove on your own
Shut down the computer.
Plug in the MagSafe power adapter to a power source, connecting it to the Mac if its not already connected.
On the built-in keyboard, press the (left side) Shift-Control-Option keys and the power button at the same time.
Release all the keys and the power button at the same time.
Press the power button to turn on the computer.
Next problem: if your Mac is not automatically joining your home Wi-Fi, try this: Turn off AirPort from the AirPort icon. Then go to System Preferences > Network > Wi-Fi > Advanced button. Remove any networks that are "remembered" but leave the box "Remember networks this computer has joined" checked. Click OK, then Apply. Turn on AirPort in the AirPort icon, then join your home network.