# Flash MX 2004: Controlling External Swf (Nav)

**URL:** https://forum.kirupa.com/t/flash-mx-2004-controlling-external-swf-nav/154782
**Category:** flash
**Created:** [July 12, 2005, 6:18pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/flash-mx-2004-controlling-external-swf-nav/154782 "2005-07-12T18:18:20Z")
**Posts on this page:** 1
**Page:** 1

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### Author: ![shawno](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/dfb087/32.png) [@shawno](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/shawno)
#### Post date: [July 12, 2005, 6:18pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/flash-mx-2004-controlling-external-swf-nav/154782/1 "2005-07-12T18:18:20Z")

</div>

I am creating a Flash program that consists of a “master” movie file that will call in individual chapters (\*.swfs) as needed.

I want to create a single (page) navigation structure that will reside in the master - yet allow the user to go to the next/previous screens in the movie currently being used.

I have created the master movie and have placed an empty movie clip on one of the frames. From the main navigation, I have been successfully able to load the individual \*.swfs into the empty movie clip when called from the menu using the following command:

\_root.emptymovieclipname.loadMovie(“external.swf”);

I have been unable to figure out the action script that will allow me to control the navigation within the external swf from the main timeline. Any clues?

Also - is it possible to determine the number of frames within each clip as they are called so I can turn on/off the fwd/back buttons when appropriate?

TIA

- Shawn