# Photo Gallery and loading .swf files **URL:** \ **Category:** flash\ **Created:** [September 7, 2004, 5:50pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/photo-gallery-and-loading-swf-files/63527 "2004-09-07T17:50:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 4\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![sleepyball](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/9d8465/32.png) [@sleepyball](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/sleepyball)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2004, 5:50pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/photo-gallery-and-loading-swf-files/63527/1 "2004-09-07T17:50:41Z")
I’ve been trying to load a external .swf file, which is a photo gallery. Naturally, everything works before I load the file, but when I load it, the images don’t display. I tried just about everything with \_parent.loadMovie, \_root.loadMovie, and this.loadMovie. But nothing seems to work. I’m ready to throw this pc out the window due to lack of sleep and frustration! :!: Check out a sample flash file of what I’m talking about. I would greatly appreciate any help! ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/kirupa/original/3X/6/2/621e5c11736f46532526e61be85940af4230f3e5.png) [@system](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2004, 6:46pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/photo-gallery-and-loading-swf-files/63527/2 "2004-09-07T18:46:54Z")
It’s because you used “\_root” in your external swf. \_root always refers to the main timeline but since you were loading in the swf as an external \_root becomes the main timeline of the main file. So Flash was looking for items on the main timeline of the main file that were actually located in the external swf. I replaced \_root in the external swf with \_root.stuff (both on the buttons and on the action layer) and it works fine. When using external swfs (which is a great way to go) always remember to check your paths and always re-publish your external swf when you make changes. Because of the path issue the external may not work on its own but should work when loaded into the main file. :hr: ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/kirupa/original/3X/6/2/621e5c11736f46532526e61be85940af4230f3e5.png) [@system](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2004, 9:04pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/photo-gallery-and-loading-swf-files/63527/3 "2004-09-07T21:04:14Z")
It worked! I figured that that was the problem, I just had no clue how to fix it. I appreciate your help. Now I can sleep! YAH!!!:hugegrin: ---
**Author:** ![system](https://canada1.discourse-cdn.com/flex011/uploads/kirupa/original/3X/6/2/621e5c11736f46532526e61be85940af4230f3e5.png) [@system](https://forum.kirupa.com/u/system)\ **Post date:** [September 7, 2004, 9:35pm UTC](https://forum.kirupa.com/t/photo-gallery-and-loading-swf-files/63527/4 "2004-09-07T21:35:08Z")
:thumb: