Lab: SWFObject

SWFObject 2: ExpressInstall examples

Flash allows developers to prompt users to upgrade their version of Flash Player if their version is older than the version specified by the developer. This service is called ExpressInstall. SWFObject makes it easy to use ExpressInstall. These examples check for the non-existent Flash Player version 11; when you load the page, you will be prompted to upgrade your Flash Player.

Working examples: static publishing | dynamic publishing (tested in Firefox 2, IE 6, and Safari 3.1 Windows).

Notes:

  • The key to using ExpressInstall with static publishing is to add swfobject.registerObject in the document's head.
  • ExpressInstall doesn't work consistently across browsers and operating systems due to differences in browser plug-in architecture and security. Don't expect ExpressInstall to work 100% of the time!
  • ExpressInstall is an Adobe service, and is only triggered by SWFObject. SWFObject is not actually involved in the Flash Player update process at all. If you have problems with ExpressInstall, please visit Adobe's site for help; the SWFObject developers will probably not be able to help you.