firefox not playing flash files

for no discernable reason, firefox has suddenly stopped playing flash files that are stored on my computer. instead of playing them i just get a "saved/run file" dialog box. every application i've tried making it play through just makes another tab open up and another dialog box appear. so far i've tried updating flash, java, and uninstalling and reinstalling firefox.

www.opera.com
www.microsoft.com/ie7

>>2
I've tried IE7, sucks about as hard as Opera.

>>1
Hallelujah! You have been blessed by the gods.

>>4
Har har har.

>>3
is unskilled with intarnets.
go 4 opera, the last browser you will use.

Maybe this?

Tools --> Options --> Content tab --> Manage button --> Check the file type

>>7

I already checked that, and they are still being handled by the flash plugin.

Use Opera instead

www.opera.com

did you try simply redownloading off http://www.mozilla.com/en-US/  

Or backed up your bookmarks and made a new profile?

www.opera.com

The only thing that it lacks is plugins (unless people thinks widgets counts for plugins, i sure as hell don't) and the ability to customize the top row (the archives, etc. row).

Had this problem too. Google search revealed a method.

Close Firefox. Go into your Mozilla Firefox folders -> Plugins. Delete everything Flash/Shockwave related. Start up Firefox. Download and reinstall all the files you need. You might have to restart Firefox, but everything should be fixed after that.