Need to save/load files from Flash to local user space, not network

I’ve been fooling with this problem since AS2.0 (and shared Objects) and I’m not much closer to solving it, partly because every article I read on it is focused on php and server-side stuff that doesn’t apply.

What I do know: how to load a String Array from a txt file in local user space (the folder from which the .swf is run).

What I need to know: the easiest way for the user to save/load a file. The file has to contain Objects and Arrays reflecting his current status in the game.

The goal is to avoid non-Flash apps and languages, and external Classes if possible (I do everything right in the main fla). I don’t mind that the user has to initiate and approve the upload/download.

If anyone could tell me where to start/which methods to look into, and even what terminology to use when searching for answers, I would be very appreciative!!