Help With Video Players

Many of the videos on the NRFC website play from sites like YouTube.com. While the site is designed to be as user-friendly as possible, you may run into some questions or issues. Here is some general guidance on some common issues that you may have.

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Videos Stuck Loading

This could be caused by a number of things. First, you'll need a broadband connection with at least 500+Kbps for the best viewing experience.
 
If your connection speed meets the minimum requirement but you are still stuck on the loading screen, this could be caused by a firewall or internet blocker. These types of programs could block the media stream from YouTube. If you have a firewall, you might want to temporarily disable it to see if the videos load. If so, you would need to adjust the firewall settings to allow streaming media from YouTube to pass the firewall. If you are not sure on how to do this, please contact the manufacturer of your firewall.
 
This might also be caused by another streaming application such as Quicktime fighting for the stream. Please check streaming applications installed on your computer like RealPlayer, Quicktime, and Windows Media Player and ensure they are not enabled as the default player.
Finally, you may be trying to view a video that has been marked as "Private" by its owner.
Unless you are signed in and a member of that member's "Friends" or "Family" list, you will not be able to see the video. Check another video to determine if all videos are failing to load, or just one.
 
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Videos I Watch End Early

If a video is cut off while it's loading an incomplete copy can get stuck on your computer, and it will never fully download. You can try again by clearing your browsers cache. If it continues to happen you might want to check the stability of your internet connection.
 
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Can't Hear Video Audio / Sound

To make sure that you hear sound while watching videos, please try the following:

  • Adjust the volume control on your computer and speakers.
  • Adjust the volume control located in the lower right corner of the YouTube Video Player.
  • Ensure that the volume is up on other video players, such as Quicktime, Real Player, or Windows Media player, as this might affect the video player sound.
  • Try shutting down your computer and then restarting it again.
  • Videos on YouTube are streamed through an Adobe Flash player. For the best viewing experience, we suggest you install the latest version of Adobe Flash after removing any old versions you've installed. Learn how to install the most recent version of Adobe Flash player here.

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Watching Videos on Dial-up

As you may already know, a slower connection simply means slower delivery of services. You only need a little more time and patience than with a faster connection. For best results, you may want to start the video player and then click on the PAUSE button immediately. Then, wait until the red progress bar has reached the end of the video before playing it. Allowing the entire video buffer lets you watch it without interruption. Remember, the shorter the video, the shorter the amount of time it takes to buffer.
 
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Incomplete Buffering and Choppy Playback

Please follow the tips listed below if you're having trouble playing a video and it gets stuck at one pointplays in a choppy fashion (and will not continue to load):

  • Clear your browser's cache and cookies. To learn how to do this, please visit the following Help Center page.
  • Pause the video. Allow the red loading bar to load completely to the end of the player . Once the video's fully loaded play the video.

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The Video Won't Play

Videos on Fatherhood.gov are streamed through Adobe Flash player. If you're having trouble playing and viewing videos, we suggest you install the latest version of the Flash player: this will allow you to easily play YouTube videos.
 
Here's how to upgrade to the most recent version of Adobe's Flash Player:

  • Before installing the most recent version of Adobe Flash player, you will need to first uninstall any older versions of the Flash player you've installed in the past and currently have running on your computer.

Please completely uninstall the version of Flash you're currently running, before upgrading to the most recent version. To uninstall Flash, follow Adobe's instructions, listed here. You'll need to download Adobe's official Uninstaller to remove Flash.

  • Once you've uninstalled the older version of Flash, you'll be ready to upgrade to the most recent version of Flash.

To upgrade to the most recent version of the Flash player, please follow these steps:

  • Follow Adobe's instructions for reinstalling the most recent version of Flash.
  • Once you've downloaded the latest version of Adobe Flash, please exit your browser.
  • Finally, click to install the update that you just downloaded to your computer from the Adobe Flash site.

Once you've done so, open your browser again and go to YouTube. You should now be able so successfully watch videos!
 
If the instructions above don't resolve the issue, please also try the following:

  • Temporarily disable popup blocking software installed on your computer to test.
  • Allow YouTube.com as a trusted site in your Firewall software.
  • Ensure other applications like Quicktime, iTunes, Real Player, or Windows Media Player aren't set as the default streaming application, as this might affect the video player.

For Windows Vista users:
If the Flash uninstall / reinstall does not work this maybe due to a Microsoft Windows Vista permissions issue.
Use the Windows button at the bottom left then the search function:

  • Go to: C:\Windows\System32\Macromed\Flash\.
  • Right-click on the following file: FlashUtil9b.exe or FlashUtil9e.exe.
  • Select "Run as Administrator" and install the update..
  • Restart your computer.

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System Requirements

In order to watch videos on our site, make sure you have access to the following system requirements:

  • Macromedia Flash Player 7.0+ plug-in
  • Windows 2000 or higher with latest updates installed
  • Mac OS X 10.3 or higher
  • Firefox 1.1+, Internet Explorer 5.0+, or Safari 1.0+
  • Broadband connection with 500+ Kbps

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Help

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In response to President Obama’s call for a national conversation on responsible fatherhood and healthy families, learn how you can join the President's Fatherhood and Mentoring Initiative.
Información en Español
En respuesta al llamado del presidente Obama para una conversación nacional sobre la paternidad responsable y las familias saludables, aprender cómo usted puede unirse a la Iniciativa Presidencial de Padres y Mentores.