SharedObject in Flash ActiveX... not writing cookie

I’m using VB to access the Shockwave Flash ActiveX control (flash.ocx). I have an SWF that uses the sharedObject to write a flashcookie to X:\Documents and Settings\Username$\Application Data\Macromedia\Flash Player\localhost\whatever_dir_the_swf_is_run

It works fine and writes the data when I just load the SWF from the Flash Player. BUT when I load the SWF inside my VB application, it never writes the file. The SWF loads fine and the correct varibles are set in the flash file, but the cookie doesn’t appear, even if I unload the movie or close the VB application. Is this a limitation with the activeX control? If so, I’m wondering if there is any other way for Flash to write to a file, like an INI or text file, without having to be on a server.

Thanks in advance,

Ryan