Flash know-nothing. Need to compile?

Hi all,

Ok, let start off by saying that I have NEVER used Flash and know NOTHING about it.

I downloaded a "premade" script written in php and flash that creates an online poll. I thought it would be neat to add to my website. In the HTML file, the embedded src file is "poll.swf". When I downloaded this script, I downloaded it in .zip format. From that, there is NO poll.swf file, but there IS a file called "poll.fla". From some quick research, I found out that I have to compile this poll.fla file to create the poll.swf file. Apparently, this will all work then.

I have no idea what they are talking about! Is this, in fact what I need to do? How do I compile this poll.fla file? Do I need Flash?

Sorry if this all sounds stupid to those who know Flash. Please understand that I know nothing about it.

Chris

Hi, you need to use flash to publish the file in the shockwave format (.swf). If you zip the file and post it here I'm sure someone will publish and post it for you.

I have a copy of Flash on CD from 1999. Never used it and have no idea what version it is. I'll install it and try it if no one can publish it for me. I can't attach a file .fla file to this message, but I put it on my webserver. You can grab it here. I'd appreciate it. Thanks!

Chris

Hi again. Ok, I installed Flash and looked. It's version 4. Is that old?! HA! I haven't the slightest idea how to use this program, but I do know this. When I simply try to open the .fla file, I get a popup error message saying, "Unexpected File Format" HUH?!

I guess that all I need to do is publish this into an .swf. How do I do it?

Thanks!

Chris

Basically, I downloaded a Flash/php/mysql poll from http://www.sephiroth.it/file_detail...mments=10&id=51

If you look at the "user comments", you'll see that someone asked about there not being an .swf file and the reply said that the .fla has to be compiled. I guess that's what I need to do. How do I do that?

Chris

Hi, I opened it and published it in flash MX. I think it was written with flash 5. I didnt have some of the fonts it say's were used so I just used standard replacements. Check it out and if it doesnt look ok then find out what fonts are needed. It might say on the link you posted but I didn't look.

hehe forgot to attach the file :¬)

Thanks man, but I actually got it published. I just downloaded the trial version of Flash MX Pro to do it. I certainly appreciate the effort. Now, I just have to get the php/mysql part working! Again, thanks!

Chris

Hi again, Tann.

Ok, I figured out the php/mysql part, and published the fla file to swf. I even took yours as well, AND another one that was published by another friend of mine. All of us had that font problem. Can you check out www.bartlett-family.net/poll please? That's where the swf is being viewed. Notice that there are no options for answers! The question shows up, but no answers! Is that a flash problem?

Thanks,

Chris