Windows XP forum: CNET Downloads

CNET doesn't require the presence or download of any plugins in order to download from the site, so a screenshot would help in determining what is blocking your download. To post a screenshot, just upload it to a free image hosting site (like http://www.imageshack.us) and post the link to the image in this thread.

Also, could you provide a little more information about what OS (presumably Windows XP) and browser you're using, as well as exactly when this "missing plugin" alert appears in the download process (which link/button you clicking right before it appears) and an example URL where you're experiencing this?

Thanks!
John

Note: This post was edited by a forum moderator to correct a broken URL on 02/21/2012 at 10:31 AM PT

Thank you for the response...I use XP PRO SP3. I am sending screenshot(s).

<div>Link:http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/651/missingplugin.jpg/
<span>DirectLink:http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/2070/missingplugin.jpg
<span>Link:http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/641/cnetdownload.jpg/
<span>Direct Link:http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/7614/cnetdownload.jpg
</div><span>

<span>This link DID download, however, I have experienced others that did not, though at this time, I am unsure what downloads they were. Also, at times, I do get a download that I am unable to open. I am not sure why this is as I have all kinds of ZIP and RAR programs. Maybe there is something I am not aware of....Again, thanks for your assistance. Bob.

Your screenshot of the missing plugin, this one; http://img651.imageshack.us/img651/2070/missingplugin.jpg

I've never seen anything like that. Does that black screen cover the whole of the monitor's display?

It's very strange because missing plugins are usually browser errors, that is, you visit a web page in your browser and if the web page needs some plugin or other a little dialog window pops-up within the web page telling you that you need a plugin, and the window either gives a choice of "Installing or Cancel", or offers where to get the plugin from.

But the point is, you can still see the browser underneath and also still see the Taskbar and the rest of the Desktop.

I have just found an example of that image. Are you using the Google Chrome browser? If so, is the full image anything like this: http://www.aaronwest.net/blog/index.cfm/2010/8/6/How-To-Fix-Missing-Plugin-Issue-in-Chrome

If so it seems that Chrome is missing a plugin, but that window doesn't tell much, even with the full window displaying. EG the "Https://" in the header bar. However I see bottom right of that Chrome window there is an angled double chevron which allows you to resize the window. Doing that might show more.

Did you try another browser? Here's the link to the IE-View-Lite you were looking for;
http://download.cnet.com/IE-View-Lite/3000-11745_4-11273211.html

Mark

I know it's a problem with a missing plug-in...What I don't know is what plug-in, how to find out which one it is and how to fix it. I don't get that message on IE 8, but sometimes on Firefox. I have been 'round and 'round with Chrome and they just play dumb, which it seems, they really are ! I'll try the IE Lite, though and thanks for the try at help. Much appreciated !! Bob.

Are a little confusing. It's as if the pop up or such is from when you run the downloaded app. But that's not revealed in your post.

-> I'm going to suggest you take Grif's advice and scan for malware.
Read http://forums.cnet.com/7726-6132_102-5098912.html?tag=posts;msg5099421

Bob

I have run all kinds of malware. boot scans, etc....I am reloading Chrome now and will see if that helps...I have also used SFC /scannow to see if that helps...Thank you Bob.

Reloaded Chrome, but I honestly couldn't check it as the "Shockwave Failed" and "Flash unresponsive" messages kept coming up, as has been another giant problem, so I am going back to Firefox, which is slower, but WORKS....Too bad, Chrome, you will miss all the people leaving your browser !! Thanks for the try at helping me, friends !