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Troubleshooting Flash Player Error 1904

The Flash player 1904 began popping up on Windows-based personal computers in 2005 and wasn't officially solved until 2007.  It is an incredibly difficult and drawn-our error, and is not something that is easily solved.  Fortunately, there are a couple of different solutions for it.  If you are comfortable editing/modifying your registry you should be able to resolve the Flash player error 1904 on your own.

Symptoms and Causes of Flash Player Error 1904:

Many people are unsure of which exact error they are experiencing.  With the Flash player error 1904 you will be given an error message similar to the one below when trying to install Macromedia/Adobe Flash:

Error 1904, module c:\windows\system32\macromed\flash\flash8.ocx failed to register.  HRESULT - 2147220473.  Contact your support personnel.

The 1904 error will effectively prevent you from accessing Flash-enabled websites, streaming video, graphical menus, and actually being able to physically install Macromedia Flash on your computer.

The exact cause of the error specifically is unknown.  However, it is likely due to various permissions being reset by spyware/malware/viruses.  It occurs on Windows XP and Windows Vista and occurs across a broad range of hardware/software configurations. 

Flash Player Error 1904 Solutions:

If you are experiencing the 1904 error be sure to complete the following steps.  Please complete them in the order they are listed to ensure that everything is done correctly.

1. Run a spyware/malware system scan - Since spyware/malware are likely the cause of the flash player error 1904 problem, running a spyware/malware scan and cleaning out anything that's detected is crucial in addressing the problem.  Be sure to run a full system scan, and clean out anything that is detected.
   

2. Completely uninstall Flash - Once you have run a spyware/malware scan and cleaned out any instances of spyware/malware, the next step is to completely uninstall Adobe Flash.  Visit this link (http://kb2.adobe.com/cps/141/tn_14157.html) and download the version of the uninstall software that is appropriate for your operating system.  From there, follow the instructions to completely remove Adobe Flash from your computer.
   
   Note that uninstalling Flash via the wizard in Windows is not comprehensive enough for this specific instance, as it may leave behind legacy files and registry entries that may inhibit your ability to solve the 1904 error.
   
   Ensure that during the uninstall process you do not open any instant messaging windows, internet browser windows, or applications that may call on Flash or Flash-based API's to run.  These include downloadable games and website authoring software.

3. Attempt to reinstall Adobe Flash - Attempt to install Flash again (download the latest version from http://www.adobe.com/products/flashplayer/).  Once it installs (if it installs) verify the installation by visiting a Flash-enabled website, such as YouTube.  If you are still experiencing the 1904 error you will need to manually edit the registry to enable full read/write control to the Administrator. 

1. Click START and then RUN

2. Type REGEDIT

3. If in Windows Vista, a dialog box will prompt asking for permission to continue.  Grant permission.

4. Under the tab HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT search for the tabs ShockwaveFlash.ShockwaveFlash#, where # represents a number beside the tab.  Note that there will NOT be a number 2 tab.

5. Right click each tab and GRANT READ/FULL CONTROL TO ADMINISTRATOR. 

6. Under the tab HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT look for the following tabs.  Grant full control to each of them:
   
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.spl 
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.swf 
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.mfp 
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.sol 
   HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\.sor 

HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000} 
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\CLSID\{D27CDB6E-AE6D-11cf-96B8-444553540000}\InprocServer 32 
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MIME\Database\Content Type\application/x-shockwave-flash 
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\MIME\Database\Content Type\application/futuresplash 

7. Close REGEDIT.
   
   
3. If you are still experiencing Flash player error 1904 it may be best to take your computer into a professional repair service.  The error may be the result of larger problems that will likely require professional diagnosis and repair.