shockwave files won't run

OK this had been bugging me for a couple of weeks now. For no reason that I can work out I cannot run Shockwave files on my computer anymore. Flash files still work fine but files with the .swf extension have stopped working UNLESS I am viewing them online on a website. I have unistalled and re-installed the newest version (as well as some older versions), even using the official removal program, several times. I have installed it using the online install setup as well as the downloadable stand-alone installer. Everything goes fine and says it works but the files on my drive still have that blank icon and If I click on the file it gives the "Windows cannot open this file" dialogue. "Choosing a program to run it" is no help.
I can run some of the files in Quicktime though... :?

Open the file using IE or your favourite browser.

or download the standalone player from macromedia

He's said he's already done that sKuLLsHoT, lol. I had a similar problem to yours Cycophil, was shitting me up the wall. I ended up installing Flash MX for my work at TAFE and now it seems to happily play everything...

Open the file using IE or your favourite browser.

I really should have thought of that seeing as they work when viewing online.... :oops:
I might get Flash MX as well. Thanks all (except Sks who can't read).

I can't remember ever using the stand alone player. If I have a swf file, I just drag it onto the IE icon on the quick launch bar. :)

i didnt read it as having the standalone player - i read that as u installed the flash plugin from a download - which is different..

anyways if u actually installed the standalone player (like wot comes with flash full install) then i would guess your .swf exension is mapped wrong

if u go into file types thing u can edit what .swf runs as...

Well that's a fair enough assumption then sks. No I didn't have the standalone player, which is what JT suggeted too, just the plugin. Now I just run them in Explorer. Problem solved.