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Flash Tech Resource
MIME Symptoms


All browsers that use plugins need the MIME set on the server. Only Microsoft Internet Explorer browsers IE3 and later on Windows 95, 98 and NT using ActiveX, do not require the MIME to be set on the server. The MIME for these ActiveX browsers is set in their registry and they work correctly whether or not the MIME is set correctly on the server.

All browsers except MSIE Win 95/98/NT will display the puzzle piece (or another unavailable icon) instead of a Flash image when the MIME is not set on a Server unless the TYPE tag has been added to the EMBED.

     Type=application/x-shockwave-flash   for Flash .swf files.
     Type=application/futuresplash   for Splash .spl files.

A partial solution for non-ActiveX browsers is to include the TYPE command within the EMBED tag of your HTML script, then most viewers will be able to see your movie, however some will have symptoms.

The following are some possible symptoms if the MIME is not set and the TYPE tag has been added:

     Puzzle piece
     Plays OK
     Crashes browsers
     Blank Image
     Broken Icon
     Flash Movie Icon
     Error Message boxes
     Pop-up box to save File
     Pop-up box asking what program to use to play file

For more on testing and setting the MIME
MIME is Required
Checking MIME
Setting MIME
MIME Test Files
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Special Note

Be polite and patient with your IPs, 2 weeks is not an uncommon amount of time to get a new MIME setting entered and operating. Setting up MIME is a simple and normal procedure that shouldn't take more than 5 minutes if they know how (plus some wait time til the next reboot). However, many Webmasters have never had to set a MIME because of the constant upgrade of server software which includes a set of Standard MIME settings (which don't usually include Flash yet). Also little tasks like this are often passed off to assistants.