Stopping auto Flash install in IE

[Son_House]

I'm using IE 5.5 and do not have flash installed. I would like to know if there is a way to stop flash from trying to install when I go to some sites.

[Son_House]

Well I can't believe it was this easy. After trying different settings, I found the one that worked. This is for IE 5.5 but if I remember right, it should work for 4.x and above.

Click on tools > Internet options > Security

You will see four choices:
1. Internet
2. Local intranet
3. Trusted sites
4. Restricted sites

Click on Internet. Then in the section that reads "Security level for this zone" click custom Level.

A window should pop up that reads "Security Settings" at the top. The first setting options are "ActiveX controls and plug-ins". Here are the settings I use to disable Flash from downloading and asking me if I want to install it.

Download signed ActiveX controls > Disable
Download unsigned ActiveX controls > Disable
Initialize and script ActiveX controls not marked as safe > Disable

It was the "Download signed ActiveX controls" that made the difference. I had that set to prompt and Flash would download and ask if I wanted to install it. Doh! Now it don't :)

Now when we go to sites that use Flash and we don't have it installed, we get a pop up telling us that the page might not look right because of our security settings. Just click ok and happy surfing.

[tedster]

Thanks, Son_House.

IE offers an amazing level of security customization. It's so finely detailed I'm often unsure about all the repurcussions of my choices. Glad you found what you needed.

[Son_House]

Your welcome tedster

That is one thing I do like about IE is the level of security customization. It was just trail and error but I'm glad that I found it.

[bill]

Along these lines...is there any way to uninstall Flash from IE? For instance, if you wanted to show someone what their site looks like to people who don't have Flash installed or enabled...

[Son_House]

Not sure if this will work but it's worth a try. This will not uninstall Flash but it might disable it. Start with the instructions I gave in the 2nd post and then add these as well.

Run ActiveX controls and plug-ins > Disable
Script ActiveX controls marked safe for scripting > Disable

[bill]

Thanks. That does indeed seem to stop most Flash in its tracks. Unfortunately it doesn't show the big ugly ActiveX control box where their Flash should be.

[oobaka]

Son_House...God bless you. I was going nuts with all the damn flash ads that yahoo is using.
Thanks a billion

[tedster]

Welcome to the forum, oobaka. It's always nice to see a new nic around here. I hope you enjoy being part of this community.

[Son_House]

Your welcome oobaka, happy that you found it helpful.