Why Does Safari On My Mac Keep Saying "Missing Plug-in"? [Ask MacRx]

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On a Mac everything is supposed to "just work", and usually it does. However, sometimes a missing internet plug-in or other component may be required for correct operation:

I have been a Mac user since the first home/small Mac computers were available. My recent eMac was 9 years old, so I was out of sync with EVERYTHING. Just bought a new iMac and I have Safari. Sometimes I click on a document on the Internet, and I get a basically blank page that says "Missing plug-in." So I can't open everything I need.

I don't know what this means or if I should download the Firefox browser? Read a lot of complaints about it though. What do I need to do about "Missing plug-in"?

Clueless in Kansas City, Betty

Hi Betty,

The "Missing Plug-In" message can refer to a number of things, it depends on the document or media you're trying to access. Adobe Flash and the Adobe PDF Reader are both commonly needed items; you can get both of these plugins from Adobe's website (adobe.com). Also if you are running a Mac with Lion you may not have Java installed by default. Safari should prompt you to install this when it's needed, go ahead and do so, then restart Safari.

Hi Adam!

Thanks a million for your advice! I downloaded Adobe Flash Player and now I can get videos! You're the best! Will also check to see if I have Adobe Reader (I think I do…) as well as Java by default. I'm just loving my new Mac and I am high on Mac SPEED! So fast! ;-)

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