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Troubleshooting Flash Player Error 19166

Flash player error 19166 is an installation error that typically prevents the installation of Macromedia Flash.  It occurs on both Windows XP and Windows Vista.  The error will prompt you to change some minor security settings in an effort to allow it to install, but these setting changes are unlikely to remedy the problem. 

Luckily, Flash player error 19166 is relatively easy to solve (unlike other errors, such as error 1904). 

Symptoms and Causes of Flash Player Error 19166:

Flash player error 19166 is usually caused by corrupt Flash installation files or by conflicting system permissions.  Both can be solved relatively easily.  The error message that you will see will look something similar to:

Install failed: error 19166

In some rare instances the Flash player did install despite displaying the error message.  This can be verified by attempting to view a Flash-enabled website, such as YouTube.

Flash Player Error 19166 Solutions:

If you are experiencing Flash player error 19166 follow the steps below.  Ensure that you follow the steps in the exact order that they are displayed in order to prevent corrupt files/settings from disable proper installation and repair of Macromedia Flash.

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 19166 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.  The 19166 error should not be difficult to repair, as downloading the latest version of Flash should be all that is required to repair this error.

If Macromedia Flash Still Does Not Load:

If you are seeing "You don't have Flash installed - Download the Latest Version of Adobe Flash Player" it is likely a result of misaligned permissions that are preventing Flash from operating within the browser.  This includes having JavaScript disabled.

To enable JavaScript (and likely solve the problem) perform the following:

In Internet Explorer:

1. Select tools -> Internet Options
2. Click on the "security" tab
3. Click on "custom level"
4. Scroll down to the Scripting option
5. Select "Enable" for "Active Scripting and Scripting of Java Applets"
6. Click "ok"
7. Select YES if a confirmation box appears
8. Click "ok" and close the window.
9. Hit "F5" to reload the page.

In Mozilla FireFox:

• Click tools -> Options
• Click "content" in the options list
• Check the box next to "Enable JavaScript"
• Click the "Advanced" button
• Check the boxes under "allow scripts" to enable JavaScript.
• Click "Ok" twice.