Youtube doesn't work on restored desktop

[trg-s338]

Been given a "Cleaned up/restored" Dell desktop computer of some vintage, Windows XP SP3. Mostly good except can't get it to play Youtube. Downloaded Adobe Flash, Java but still won't play Youtube. Avast free antivirus also on board. Youtube screen keeps showing, "An error occurred, please try again later." No sound either. Any suggestions for a dumbell who can't figure it out?

[BakoJ]

What browser are you using? If it is IE, try downloading chrome and then running youtube. You may need to download flash for Chrome.

[xOperator]

if the player pops up, with a black and static video with that message, then empty/delete your cookies/cache from your browser... had that happen to me once

[ivanimal]

Have you tried the dishwasher to be sure its a clean drive?

[the86d]

Youtube's site, or embedded youtube videos on say "this forum"?

[trg-s338]

Running Firefox browser. Did follow suggestion to clear/delete cache and cookies, no change in malfunction. Same problem running IE or Chrome. Malfunction occurs on Youtube main address and embedded videos. Any other helpful suggestions? Thanks!

[BakoJ]

I'm thinking you've got issues in the registry. Was this a clean install or a clean up?

[67goat]

Some people recently were having issues viewing videos if they were logged in to their Google accounts. Don't know if that was resolved. Also, is this on your network or a network controlled by someone else?

Did you install any add-ons or extensions before trying YouTube? If you did, try resetting Firefox back to original settings and see if you still have the problem.

I've never used Avast, but certain settings configurations in most AV software can block video streams. You could try temporarily disabling it to see if that is an issue.

What version of flash do you have. An older machine with built in video might be limited to an older version that may not play some videos.

Do you know if the actual drivers for your (I'm guessing on board) video chipset, or if they used default VGA drivers? You may need to go to the Dell website and make sure you have the latest drivers. Use the Dell site to figure out what chipsets you have, then use the web to see if Dell, the manufacturer of the chipset, or a different source has the most stable/up to date drivers.

[the86d]

Download network drivers for machine 1st, put them on a flash drive before reinstall, and make sure to backup data, then:
Clean install with any XP OEM CD (HP/COMPAQ/DELL/Etc. OEM, "NOT Retail" if there is a sticker on your rig with a key that came with it). Plug in Key.

Install all Windows Updates. Install flash. '...And Saint Attila raised the hand grenade up on high, saying, "O LORD, bless this Thy hand grenade that with it Thou mayest blow Thine enemies to tiny bits, in Thy mercy." And the LORD did grin and the people did feast upon the lambs and sloths and carp and anchovies and orangutans and breakfast cereals, and fruit bats and large chu...' Rejoice.

[the86d]

I guess that worked?

[NoSpam]

you're just missing all the windows updates that were released since SP3. Lots of flash related security patches. Should work once they're loaded.