| [Broken Again] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Becky Tachibana | 26/12/15 08:06 | Since yesterday, I haven't been able to play any flash-based games on my laptop. It says "couldn't load plugin". Also, sometimes, when I try to watch a video it will only have a blank green screen. I have the latest version of Chrome, PPAPI is enabled, and I uninstalled/reinstalled Chrome but nothing changed. Everything works in Mozilla Firefox so it is definitely a Chrome problem. What could be the issue? Edit: I fixed it! I went to C:\Users\[Me]\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\PepperFlash\20.0.0.267\pepflashplayer.dll and renamed it to pepflashplayerX.dll. Then I restarted Chrome and it worked! :D Edit: On January 23rd, it started doing it again. This time, I went to the Menu > Settings > System > and unchecked "use hardware acceleration when available". This fixed the green videos, but the Flash games still say "Couldn't load plugin". | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Faisal Ahmed Sourav | 26/12/15 09:49 | Same problem here also :( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Yusuf N | 26/12/15 11:06 | Hi Becky, Thanks for posting your question in the Chrome forum. This might be happening for a few reasons. Could you try checking if the issue exists on a different version of Chrome? Please try checking if the problem still exists on Canary. Lastly, could you try using a new Chrome profile to see if that might help? Let me know how it goes. Best, Yusuf | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Becky Tachibana | 26/12/15 11:39 | 1. I used a new Chrome profile. It didn't work. 2. It worked on Canary. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| (inconnu) | 27/12/15 14:39 | <Ce message a été supprimé.> | |||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Tony Ostinato | 27/12/15 15:28 | same problem here and renaming the same file fixed it. i really appreciate your posting the fix!! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Faisal Ahmed Sourav | 27/12/15 22:50 | Thanks Becky !! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Peka80 | 28/12/15 02:53 | Thanks for this! I had the same problem, and renaming the file solved it! ;) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 28/12/15 03:18 | Summary Log - List of related posts ==Current 10/21/15 CR 546017 created for October incident, still open with WorkAround(WA): del User Data/PepperFlash/20.0.0.xxx includes a few cases: 'only works for admin' 12/24/15 CR 527131 created for institutional usage, possible 32/64bit conflict 1/5/16 Teacher plugin problem, fixed with rename/hide. 1/6/16 SpyX plugin problem, fixed with rename/hide; Note: OK for first hour then fails 1/4/16 Update OK only as admin - with summary log of admin related posts There are many,many more recent posts fixed by del UserData..20.0.0.267 not cataloged here. I've only captured a few. Most are for the 32/64b mismatch case fixed by deleting the 20.0.0.267 folder. Only a few involve file/folder permissions. ==Historic 2/19/14 Flash will not load, same WA, last 9/10/14, 140 replies, a few runAs admin ==Orig 12/28 post Becky .. Any idea why this works? How did you find this trick? pepflashplayer.dll should not normally cause a problem..later, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | manuel_84 | 29/12/15 04:37 | thanks, renaming worked for me too. same problem with chrome 47 on windows 10 x64 | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Starr Warrior | 29/12/15 19:58 | This also worked for me! I've had this issue many times over the past year. Every time it seems to be a different fix for it. Thank you so much for your help! :) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | แจ่วบอง จ๊อยใน | 31/12/15 02:46 | it's workkkk thanks a lot . i just install new version and cannot play video some website *-* | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Klarinice | 05/01/16 12:31 | How can I do this on Mac? Thank you in advance! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 05/01/16 17:19 | Hi Klarinice - I don't have a Mac to look at and am not sure the problem you have is the same as the windows problem here.. but try this. The Windows pepflashplayer.dll is located in the Chrome User Data area. In the Chrome omnibox (address box) enter: about:version or chrome://version. In the version info, look for 'Profile Path', which should point to the User Data area for the Mac. On Windows this is: C:\Users\<user>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\<Chrome profile name, e.g Default> The PepperFlash directory is User Data\PepperFlash. Look for a subfolder like 20.0.0.267. Inside it, the .dll (Mac: .lib?) file you need to hide is pepflashplayer, possibly .lib.on the Mac. Let me know how it goes. I'm particularly interested in sites causing problems the PepperFlash version number in User Data AND the PepperFlash version number inside the main Chrome install folder (yes there are two copies) In the about:version info, look for Execution Path, on windows like: ...\Chrome\Application\chrome.exe. On windows you'd look for Chrome\Application\47.0.2526.106\PepperFlash\pepflashplayer.dll If you can find the Application...pepflashplayer file, look at it's properties for version info. Thanks, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 05/01/16 18:07 | Gamers - Chrome should work for you straight out of the box. Disabling/Hidding
should not be necessary, unless there's something else going on. Adobe FlashPlayer is installed with Chrome twice, once in User Data and once internally under Chrome/Application. They're usually slightly different versions. Disabling the User Data version falls back on the internal version. Both should be OK. If someone wants to help track down what's going wrong, post back and we'll do some hunting.. later, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 06/01/16 15:54 | A similar problem and fix was reported '..doesn't load plugin' today Plugin didn't load, hiding User Data\PepperFlash\20.0.0.267\pepflashplayer.dll fixed the problem. The user, SpyX also reported that Chrome flash worked for the first hour after a reinstall. I assume this was preceded by a full uninstall and wipe of User Data. On first use, User Data\PepperFlash is initially empty and loads later, maybe after first use. Once 20.0.0.267 was loaded, Chrome flash could not load the plugin. Since the 'Couldn't load plugin' problem is limited to a few users, i.e. works for nearly everyone else, I'm still looking for clues about what triggers the failure. CR 546017 was opened 10/21 for this problem. later, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 06/01/16 16:39 | Hi all: We're getting closer to tracking this down. I would like to know if you're running a home/personal version of Chrome or if it's part of an institutional setup? And whether it's the 32bit or 64bit Chrome? And the size of User Data/PepperFlash/pepflashplayer.dll.. Copy/paste the first 15 lines of about:version (down thru the start of Variations), add the .dll size and I can sort out the details later, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Sahil Jainnhnj | 07/01/16 04:26 | 32 bit sir. size is 28560kb | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Faisal Al-Ghamdi | 07/01/16 08:51 | its working for me, thanks | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 07/01/16 09:50 | Sahil Jainnhnj: Thank you. This confirms the problem: mismatched 32bit Chrome and 64b pepflasherplayer.dll (size > 28000KB). When you hide the plugin C:\Users\Larry\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\PepperFlash\20.0.0.267\pepflashplayer.dll by renaming it and restart Chrome, Chrome falls back on it's internal flashplayer which matches the 32bit Chrome browser. All: If the hide fix works for you please post back the 32/64bit architecture of your Chrome. Enter about:chrome in the omni-address box to get stats. And the size of the hidden .dll. Version numbers of chrome and the before and after Flash player (alll in about:version), would be nice but that's just icing. later, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 07/01/16 10:18 | Anyone will to help trackdown the problem can run the following tests. Monitor and report back: -Chrome version, 32/64b type, and Flash version from about:version -size of C:\Users\<yourID>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\PepperFlash\20.0.0.2xx\pepflashplayer.dll -hide the 20.0.0.2xx (currently 267) by renaming it -wait for an auto update under User Data\PepperFlash. May take awhile. Mine updated in 30 mn. -report the version and size of the .dll after the update, and whether the problem returned (Couldn't load plugin) This problem is being worked as bug 572131, if you're interested in the technical details. Thanks, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Sahil Jainnhnj | 07/01/16 10:20 | It still says "couldn't load plugin" :/ | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Cat-Friend | 07/01/16 10:24 | Hello Sahil I'm sorry the described solution won't work for you. Please give Canary a try. At least as long as the Problem has not been fixed. Good luck! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Sahil Jainnhnj | 07/01/16 10:34 | okay sir. thank you | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 07/01/16 12:22 | Sahil: The fix should work for you: Did you you hide the plugin
by renaming it (to pepflashplayerX.cll) and restart Chrome? After restart, about:version should show Flash: 20.0.0.228 and you should be OK. If not, copy the first 15 lines of about:version here. Canary will definitely work for you, since it upgrades to 64bit Chrome, and won't need the User Data update. later, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 07/01/16 12:27 | Faisal Al-Ghamdi: Great, glad the fix helped you. Can you tell me the size of the DLL you renamed and 32/64 bit type of your Chrome (see about:version). I'm still trying to confirm the problem. Thanks, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Faisal Al-Ghamdi | 07/01/16 14:02 | OS: windows 10 x64 Chrome: 47.0.2526.106 (Official Build) m (64-bit) size DLL: 16.0 MB (16,792,256 bytes) Thanks | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 07/01/16 15:25 | Faisal: Thank you very much. The DLL you hid was the 16-bit 20.0.0.267 version, incompatible with your current 64-bit Chrome. The version of Flash you're now using, 20.0.0.228 (see about:version) that came with chrome 47.0.2526.106 had a security exposure that has been fixed with 20.0.0.267. To get the 64-bit update you need to hide or remove the 20.0.0.267 folder (under User Data\PepperFlash) with the bad 32-bit version. Hiding only the DLL blocks the update. Later, Larry | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Nancy O'Brien | 07/01/16 17:36 | Glad to have found this discussion! This has been an ongoing problem for some time and was putting me off Chrome. :( Have not tried name change as yet but will do and report back. Update: Name change was a fail. So no fix here yet. What is so annoying is that it worked fine, then stopped, then worked for awhile and now doesn't work again. Meantime, here are my particulars for Larry. Thanks for your help. And to Becky for her initial report and fix. 64 bit OS Windows 10 Pepperflash DLL file size 16,399 KB
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| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Nancy O'Brien | 07/01/16 20:18 | Fix did work. I just hadn't waited long enuf for the update. Here is new Version details. Flash version now 20.0.0.228 and works in Chrome. Big thanks to Becky.
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| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Alex2015 | 08/01/16 07:28 | It worked for me! Thanks for the fix:) | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 08/01/16 21:24 | All: This fix works nearly always. Here's why: When the flash player stops loading from one day to the next, it's possible that a recent DLL update to C:\Users\<YourID>\AppData\Local\Google\Chrome\User Data\PepperFlash\20.0.0.xxx\pepflashplayer.dll is the cause. The xxx can vary over time: 267, 286.. To test the DLL, hide/rename it as pepflashplayerHide.dll . Close/open Chrome, which will now use it's builtin DLL. If the player works, you've found the culprit. You can stop with the Hide workaround or try to fix the problem. To correct the problem, delete the PepperFlash folder. Close, open Chrome: the flash player should load. If the problem reappears or you'd like the full details, look at this Best Answer. later, Larry Marking best answers helps others find solutions fast -- Use the Award Badge Ribbon icon at the bottom | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Greg Solon | 11/01/16 06:31 | Glad I found this! Was frustrated by this for over a week and finally I can stop going to Microsoft Edge when plugins don't work on Chrome. Thanks! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Greg Solon | 11/01/16 07:04 | I spoke too soon. It's back! :( | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Andrew N Jacobs | 11/01/16 08:29 | Our School is having the same problem and we don't use roaming policies. If we delete the pepperflash folder and open chrome (which we are now pushing out with GP) it allows the students to run flash based sites without issue. BUT if the student continues to use the same computer for an extended period of time the "couldn't load plugin" error eventually comes back. The student than needs to log off the computer and back in so the GP runs and deletes the pepperflash folder again. Anybody have a suggestion? Did I miss something from the above posts? | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 19/01/16 20:25 | All: Stable 47.0.2526.111 rolled out 1/13 with 20.0.0.267 flash builtin, so the DLL under User Data no longer comes into play. The User Data PepperFlash problem can only be tested if the builtin flash player is older (lower version) than the one in User Data. If anyone is still having problems, let me know.
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| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 19/01/16 20:30 | Andrew (1/11) - A) 47.0.2526.111 should eliminate your problems. B) The root cause could be the permissions on the auto-update path, usually under User Data (see above Me, 1/8). The 20.0.0.267 folder (and contents) needs 'Read&Exec' for the student's account. Since you are probably in an institutional environment, other policies may apply. BTW: What is GP?
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| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Becky Tachibana | 24/01/16 06:32 | Larry, with 47.0.2526.111, my problems returned yesterday haha. I was able to fix the green videos by disabling enable hardware acceleration, but the "couldn't load plugin" is back. | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 24/01/16 21:42 | All: This fix works nearly always (for Couldn't Load). Here's why: When the flash player stops loading from one day to the next, the likely cause is a recent DLL update to
that's not working. The xxx can vary over time: 267, 286..
You can stop with the Hide workaround or try to fix the problem.The Hide will work until the next auto-update, and then you'll need to hide it again.
===Better Best Answer above, original 1/24 response below=== Becky - Sorry bout that Look in your User Data/PepperFlash/ folder. You'll probably find a 20.0.0.286 directory. Rename it's pepflashplayer.dll to pepflashplayerHide.dll I was afraid it might show up again. Look at my Jan 8 reply - it's been edited to reflect my latest intel. You probably still have a folder permissions problem. Follow the link in my 1/8 post for details. Let me know how it goes - and if you could mark my 1/8 replay as Best Answer. I would like to hear the details of how 'Couldn't load plugin' reappeared for you... if hiding 20.0.0.286/pepflashplayer helped (at least temporarily) Still trying to track down why the folder permission problems are bad. It's probably in the 'Read&Exec' flag. If your respond, I'll walk you through the fix.
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| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Faisal Ahmed Sourav | 24/01/16 23:48 | "Couldn't Load Plugin"same problem here man !! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | LarryLACa | 26/01/16 11:43 | Becky, Faisal - I assume the problem appeared after the 48.0.2564.48 update. Are we still talking about the 'Couldn't load plugin' problem ..or something else ? Did hiding pepflashplayer.dll help? In about:flash does the path for the DLL point to User Data or Chrome\Application? Hope to hear soon (from both of you), Larry Becky: Thanks for the Best Answer vote! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Becky Tachibana | 26/01/16 11:54 | Yes, the pepflashplayerHide.dll thing worked for me. Thank you Larry! | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Re: [Fixed] "Couldn't Load Plugin" | Andrew N Jacobs | 28/01/16 05:02 | Thanks Larry, we are getting less reports of the plugin error since your post and roll out on 1/13. We were also making adjustments to our Lightspeed internet filter which seemed to help. GP = Group Policy (active directory) maybe it should be GPO??? |