"Ctrl+Shift+Esc" placing you into the Windows Task Manager, you need to be in the in the "Processes" tab to make sure that firefox.exe is no longer running -- if it is running then terminate it by selecting the use "End Process" button or from context menu. (That is a Windows 7 keyboard shortcut not in earlier versions of Windows) ---- There is a better way of ending Firefox, but it is too late for you to close firefox properly. Full set of directions to check and update flash. Make sure you are starting in the correct place for Flash * http://www.adobe.com/software/flash/about/ If you want to read PDF files in you browser, you might also want * http://get.adobe.com/reader/ After the download, #bring up the download manager ("Ctrl+J") and start your installs. As soon as the install comes up, #close Firefox with File > Exit or "Firefox" button > Exit. Give Firefox some time to close and check that it finished via Windows 7 shortcut to WTM "Ctrl+Shift+Esc" in the "Processes" tab make sure that firefox.exe is no longer running -- if it is terminate it by selecting the use "End Process" button or from context menu. #proceed with the install '''Warning''': this is the Adobe site and they have chosen to to provide crapware along with their own product. Only install the product you were planning to install. Do not install additional products: including -- "Free! McAfee Security Scan Plus" or "Google Chrome". Installing Google Chrome on your own and installing it because it is offered on the Adobe site are two different things. Find updates for other installed plugins at :http://www.mozilla.com/plugincheck/ mozilla.com/plugincheck Some people will have a problem with Hardware acceleration, right-click in the flash area, click in settings..., then see if change setting makes a difference.