Hey all,
I’ve got another computer question, and as you’ve probably surmised, it has to do with file extensions. Specifically, how to change the default program for a .swf file.
I know all about going to Properties and changing with the “Opens with” button, and I’ve tried that. It works fine until I actually need to select the program. Whenever I click on the Adobe Flash Player icon, for some reason, the computer won’t switch to that being the default. I know there’s no problem with the program itself - currently, I’m opening the files by dragging them over the Flash Player desktop icon. Any thoughts as to why I can’t select it as the default program?
Also, I’m running Windows Vista, in case that makes a difference (as is likely).
Control Panel > Default Programs > Associate a file type or protocol with a program
Scroll down to .swf, select it, and click “Change Program” at the top. Click “Browse”, select the new program, check the “Always use this program” button, press “OK”, and Bob’s your uncle. 
I tried that right after I posted this thread, actually - I’m running into the same problem though. Everything works normally until I select Flash Player, and then I can’t get Flash Player to show up in the list of programs.
Strange. Have you tried reinstalling the Flash Player? It should be pretty painless to do, and in addition to fixing any “holes” in your current installation, it should also reassociate .swf and .flv.
If that doesn’t work, report back and I’ll see what else I can dig up…or someone who actually has a Vista computer to work with might chime in as well!