Flash Player download crashes Internet Explor

Hello,

I have Windows XP and recently upgraded to Internet Explorer 8. Some sites are requesting Flash Player but when I try to download it from Adobe's site, the ActiveX control won't work and Internet Explorer crashes. I've tried more than 3 times with the same result. I checked my ActiveX control settings and they are supposed to prompt me to allow it, but it still crashes. I had recently (successfully) installed Flash Player for Firefox, but now have to use IE for my company's website. Please help! Thanks a lot.