How do I make sure I have the right original Flash files for editing?

[hoges]

I'm upgrading a Flash site for a client and I think the original web designer has not included the original editable Flash movies on the clients CD. The relevant .swf files have been included but the .fla files which should correspond to these .swf files seem to be incomplete. Most of each movies content seems to be there but when I go to "test scene", "test movie" or "export movie", all I get are static half finished graphics where there should be animated movies. I'm not sure If some how these movies' content has been hidden or locked and/or I'm not exporting them correctly...I'm new to Flash and this is a very important client...CAN SOMEBODY SAVE ME???

 

[epic]

Well, you've been kind of screwed by the other designer, i makes it really hard to update content without the original .fla files.
I've never experienced your problem, but do you know if there is a version difference between your Flash and the other designers? Was his done on PC and yours on Mac? or visa versa?
Even if the original content isn't on the CD you should still be able to get it, because it should be in the .swf file.
I don't know of any way to lock or hide content in Flash files.
Sorry I can't be of more help. Keep asking around if none of my ideas help!

Epic
kategory5@home.com

 

[ferhelping]

The .swf files are compressed. If you import them to a new Flash movie, you will lose all the layers and actions in the frames. You will also see all the symbols as graphics, you lose the buttons and movie clips. You also lose the stage dimensions and attributes. The only good thing about importing is that you recover all the Flash graphics and you can see how the movie was done.

If you can't locate the other programmer and you really need it, try importing the .swf files into Flash. FILE/IMPORT and select the .swf to import.

If the .swf files are protected, email me and I will tell you what to do. I can't share it with everyone because it could violate copyrights...

 

[hoges]

Hi guys,
Thanks very much to "Epic" and "Ferhelping" for your quick response. Since my original posting my client threatened the initial web developer with legal action for withholding clients files (all of which were paid for in full...). Strangely enough, ALL the original Flash files and Photoshop graphics arrived by courier within the same afternoon...I was right, the above mentioned files were missing...Thanks again...

 

[hohriver]

I don't mean to overstate the obvious, but no one thus far has suggested that some of the layers might be locked from view, and that does seem possible. In the .fla edit mode, if a red 'X' appears on a layer beneath the 'eye' icon, this hides that layer from view in your movie. It is possible that the designer saved it in this form, or just as likely, especially if you are new to Flash, that you could very easily have inadvertently clicked and placed the 'lock' on this layer yourself----that's one of my petty gripes about Flash, it's so easy to do that because there's so little space between buttons in the layers bar......

But, I would have to agree with the others, that in all likelihood you just don't have access to the original files, for whatever reason.....you really can't reconstruct much from a .swf file.

Good luck with the process.

 

[ferhelping]

Hohriver:

It seems to me that you are a newbie with a lot if enthusiasm to help other people. That is very good, but we are talking about importing protected .swf files by editing on a Hex-Editor and deleting bytes 53-56, 00 06.

Sounds familiar?? Definitely not pressing the little cross to unhide layers. He lost the .fla editable files and only had the .swf's from the server.

IT IS POSSIBLE to reconstruct the movie from the .swf's and edit the symbols in the library, you only lose the layout. Try it one of these days...