How to download or record a Adobe Flash video from a website?

[csziggy]

My Dad did a video recording in 2005 for the local history group. They were supposed to give us a DVD of the recording and never did - or if they gave one to Dad it is lost.

My sister asked them for a copy but apparently the only copy is online and uses Adobe Flash. Video Download Helper that will happily download YouTube videos does not even see this one. I've tried a couple of things, but have not been able to download his video.

The site is: Polk Pioneers.​ All the videos there seem to be in the same format.

[Princess Turandot]

1. Hmm. It looks like you would need their proprietary video player installed on your computer...

..in order to play their videos locally, even if you could download a copy of the video file. It's not likely that you'll get either. So, you may need to go to the screen recording route.

Here's a list of freeware programs that enable you to screen-record a video:

http://www.snapfiles.com/freeware/gmm/fwvideocapture.html

I've used the second one on the list, FlashBack Express, to capture videos with decent results.

Google 'screen recorders' if you want to see more options.

hth,

PT

[mn9driver]

2. You can do this using Chrome

Here is a link that shows how step by step:

http://www.makeuseof.com/tag/how-to-download-embedded-flash-swf-files-using-your-browser/

[csziggy]

4. I tried the steps on that page

But apparently the video/flash is embedded on a separate page and cannot be accessed the way they describe on your link.

[defacto7]

3. Just be careful, do virus scans on everything.

Flash is obsolete for a reason. It's less than safe especially over Internet. Do what you can to convert it to a normal video file once retrieved.

[csziggy]

5. I may contact the historical group directly

And let them know that the flash video is not easily accessible and is insecure. I can also ask them for the DVD Dad was originally promised - maybe one copy for each of my sisters and myself. Our family has donated large amounts of money and time to the organization. They should be willing to provide a usable copy of the video of our father!

[Sunlei]

6. They should provide you with the promised DVD, in the meantime...

do you have a devise, a cell phone or camera that does decent recording? Lg monitor and steady camera, quiet room-record a copy just in case.

[csziggy]

8. That's an idea

I tried one of the programs suggested last night. First try, jumpy video, no sound. Second try, good sound no video. I'll have to try again - but even if all I get is the sound, that will be good.

Dad's been gone since 2013 so any recordings we can have of him are great. Plus, he told some stories about growing up in a mining town that I had never heard.

[defacto7]

7. I would think that would be a better choice.

The flash is doable, but safety is a factor.