Many people have asked how they can manage how they can watch their SWFs in the player of their choice for testing. Many are also interested creating projectors in older versions of Flash so they can use older techniques not possible in the new projector.

This is actually pretty easy.

Head out to the web or your files and collect a projector in Flash 4, Flash 5, and MX (You can collect a Flash 3 and 2 Projector if you want- I've included 3 Projectors). The content in them is irrelevant so they can come from anywhere as long as they are actually Flash projectors (SWF Studio Projectors will not work). You can tell what version of projector you have by clicking Help'>'About. Rename them Flash4.EXE, Flash5.EXE, Flash6.EXE respectively

Place them up in a Directory, C: is a good place for them, and remember where you have them.

Now from within the directory you placed your files hit the Windows Explorer View '>' Folder Options menu button.

Click on the File Type Tab.

Scroll down until you see the Shockwave Flash Object listing. If you have never had a Flash Player on your machine you may have to create a new one by pressing the New Type Button.

If you had to create a new one call it something like Shockwave Flash Object. Choose application/x-shockwave-flash as the Mime type and SWF as the extension.

Choose this File Type and click edit:

Now you will create a few new actions that will go on your right click menu.

Click new from the Edit File Type window.

For the Action type Open in Flash 4 For the application find the file you called Flash4.exe (If you saved your renamed files in C: like I suggested it will be here C:\Flash4.exe)

Now Repeat for Flash 5 and 6/MX

Okay now when you right click on a SWF you will have the Option of Opening it in the Flash 4, Flash 5, Flash 6 standalone and the create projector option will be available to you.

By Default your SWF files will open in the last one you viewed in.

discuss this topic to forum