How to Download a Flash Movie

Because most Flash movies don't allow you to right-click and "Save As," Flash movie fans have to find another way to save their favorite Flash movies to their computers. Follow these steps to save a Flash movie to your computer and keep it.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

1. Check your browser's official site for specially designed Flash-movie downloading plugins or add-ons. If you find one, download, install it and follow the instructions. If you use Internet Explorer, skip to Step 2.
2. Open a single Internet Explorer window.
3. Access Internet Explorer's "Tools" menu and select "Internet Options." Locate "Browsing History," click "Settings" and "View Files."
4. Sort the temporary files by address. You may either select "Internet Address" in the window or right-click, select "Arrange Icons By" and "Internet Address."
5. Identify the Internet address where Flash movie is located. Scroll down the length of the list just to make sure you haven't missed it. Some addresses may include a prefix on the URL and that moves addresses to the top or bottom of the list.
6. Find the file with a ".SWF" extension. This is your Flash movie.
7. Highlight the address with your cursor. Right-click over the address and select "Copy." Move your cursor to a folder or area on your computer where you wan to save the file. Right-click and select "Paste" to enjoy your new Flash movie on your computer.

Tips & Warnings

• View a website's source code to find the name of a specific Flash movie on a website with many Flash movies on it.
• Some Flash movies may not play on your computer. Try opening a single Internet Explorer window and the folder that contains your Flash movie file, then drag the file over to the Internet Explorer window for it to play.