Why Can't I Download Flash Player?

Question

I have repeatedly tried to download Flash Player after getting pop-up messages from Adobe that tell me I cannot open attachments to emails because I need Flash Player 9.0 or higher.  The messages say to download the latest Flash Player click here.  I follow the instructions to the letter and get a message that the download of Flash Player 10 has successfully been completed.  Then the next time I try to open an email attachment I get the same failure message.  I have also gotten led to an Adobe tutorial entitled Flash Player | 64-bit operating systems which directs me to select the 32-bit Internet Explorer system on my computer by going to Start>Programs.  I followed the download instructions using the 32-bit IE system and the download message says that Flash Player 10.0 has been successful.  But I still cannot open the email attachments and still get the message that I need to download Flash Player 9.0 or higher.  If I go to my complete list of programs on the Install or Remove Programs, I find a listing for several Adobe products such as Acrobat, ReaderX, Digital each of which has a size in bytes.  Flash Player 10 is listed but there is nothing shown in the byte size column.
My computer is a Hewlett-Packard Pavilion with an Intel Pentium Dual CPU E2220 @ 2.40 GHz  64-bit operating system using Windows Vista Home Premium, Service Pack 2.  The default browser which I use is Internet Explorer 64-bit.
I'm 80 years old and trying hard to get along with computers.  Please know that any help provided on this frustrating problem will be greatly appreciated.  Thanks in advance.  And please make your suggestions in great detail without assuming I know very much. 

Answer 1

Hi James, Check and make sure the Shockwave Flash Object is Enabled in your IE manage addons.
In FF, look for the Shockwave Flash plugin and make sure it's Enabled.
Make sure you are using the 32bit browser and not the 64bit.
Also check this for IE: (you want this OFF, not on)
To turn on ActiveX Filtering
In Internet Explorer, click the Tools button, point to Safety, and then click ActiveX Filtering.
To turn off ActiveX Filtering on a specific website
In Internet Explorer, click the Filter button in the Address bar, and then click Turn off ActiveX Filtering.
To turn off ActiveX Filtering on all websites
In Internet Explorer, click the Tools button, point to Safety, and then click ActiveX Filtering.
I don't have time to check on why Chrome is not working. Make sure your Anti-Virus is not blocking.
Also when you are trying to Install, all browser windows must be Closed.
Will check back later, but it's best to start you own topic as Pat suggested and flutie has done.
eidnolb