Preloader Problem

April 26th, 2006, 2:24 pm

I have the same problem with each file I have. My preloader does not show up until the file has loaded at 50%. The structure of my site locally and remotely is as follows:

-root
container.swf
home.swf
+subfolder
-somefile.swf
+subfolder
-somefile2.swf

Now, my home.swf preloader works fine. But not somefile.swf or somefile2.swf only shows at 50%. Why is what I'm wondering? I have a compiled scrollbar in both of these files but I have unchecked export in the first frame and that only changed it from 60% to 50%. My preloader code is in the top folder "ActionScript".

Here's a example file in case it helps with the code:

http://midwestwebdesign.net/example.zip

I've read on this site (below) about making a separate movie file that just has my preloader and use this for each subsequent page but I'm unclear exactly how that would work. Anyone happen to know of a tutorial which might cover this a little more clearer?

http://www.senocular.com/flash/tutorial ... oaderstart

Appreciate any insight anyone could offer.

April 27th, 2006, 4:25 am

either work on an external preloader ... meaning you have a preloader for a loaded movieclip:
i.e.:

Line number On/Off

Code: Select all

this.createEmptyMovieClip("LoadedMCHolder", 0);
LoadedMCHolder.loadMovie("mymovie.swf");
onEnterframe = function()
{
  if (LoadedMCHolder.getBytesLoaded() >= LoadedMCHolder.getBytesTotal())
  {
       delete onEnterFrame;
       gotoAndPlay(some_frame);
  }
    // here u work on your graphic preloader, this is just the basic idea
    trace((LoadedMCHolder.getBytesLoaded() * 100 / LoadedMCHolder.getBytesTotal() ) +" % loaded);
}

or ... stop exporting movieclips in the first frame.
Instead, uncheck the Export In First Frame checkbox for every movieclip from your library that you export, and drag all your exported movieclips in another frame (3 or 4 .. also you dont need to give them a target name), before they are used in actionscript with attachMovie.

April 27th, 2006, 6:23 am

Quote:

or ... stop exporting movieclips in the first frame.
Instead, uncheck the Export In First Frame checkbox for every movieclip from your library that you export, and drag all your exported movieclips in another frame (3 or 4 .. also you dont need to give them a target name), before they are used in actionscript with attachMovie.

This is the problem I'm having trouble with. If I right click on any given movie clip, and click on Linkage, the Export in First isn't even available. Where do I uncheck this option for my movie clips? All my movie clips that are used are in frame 35 of my main timeline so I'm not immediately following what is being said?

Clarification possibly?

April 27th, 2006, 12:07 pm

OK, so I've unchecked export in first frame for my movie clips, graphics and buttons and still have the same problem.

I'm thinking I might need to resort to the separate preloader movie file, but how does that work? Does one create a separate movie file with a preloader only? If so, how do you call in other movie files from this? Any insight would be appreciated.

April 27th, 2006, 2:37 pm

if you use flash components ... uncheck the Export in first frame as well.
And trust me, if you export all your movieclips from the library in other frame than frame 1 and you have the preloader in frame 1 or 2 ... it will work just fine.

for the second part, just as i wrote in the first post.
and to use the movieclips from inside it ...
LoadedMCHolder.whateverMC
Also, if you use external preloader, make sure that in the loaded movie you dont have instructions such as _root.variable or _level0.mc since _root is now the main movie, used to preload.

i dont usually do this, but in this case i can make an exception. Send me your flash and i`ll show u it can be done without an external preloader.