SWA File Extension

What is SWA file?

SWA is a file extension commonly associated with Shockwave Audio files. Adobe Systems defined the Shockwave Audio format standard. Files with SWA extension may be used by programs distributed for Linux, Mac OS, Windows platform. Files with SWA extension are categorized as Audio Files files. The Audio Files subset comprises 771 various file formats. The most popular program for handling SWA files is Adobe Director, but users can choose among 3 different programs that support this file format. Adobe Director software was developed by Adobe Systems Incorporated, and on its official website you may find more information about SWA files or the Adobe Director software program.

Programs which support SWA file extension

Below you will find an index of software programs that can be used to open SWA files divided into 3 categories according to system platform supported. Files with SWA extension, just like any other file formats, can be found on any operating system. The files in question may be transferred to other devices, be it mobile or stationary, yet not all systems may be capable of properly handling such files.

How to open file with SWA extension?

There can be multiple causes why you have problems with opening SWA files on given system. On the bright side, the most encountered issues pertaining to Shockwave Audio files aren’t complex. In most cases they can be addressed swiftly and effectively without assistance from a specialist. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with SWA files.

Step 1. Install Adobe Director software

Problems with opening and working with SWA files are most probably having to do with no proper software compatible with SWA files being present on your machine. This issue can be addressed by downloading and installing Adobe Director or different compatible program, such as Web browser, Adobe Shockwave Player. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support SWA files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. One of the most risk-free method of downloading software is using links provided by official distributors. Visit Adobe Director website and download the installer.

Step 2. Verify the you have the latest version of Adobe Director

If the problems with opening SWA files still occur even after installing Adobe Director, it is possible that you have an outdated version of the software. Check the developer’s website whether a newer version of Adobe Director is available. Sometimes software developers introduce new formats in place of that already supports along with newer versions of their applications. If you have an older version of Adobe Director installed, it may not support SWA format. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using Adobe Director.

Step 3. Associate Shockwave Audio files with Adobe Director

After installing Adobe Director (the most recent version) make sure that it is set as the default application to open SWA files. The next step should pose no problems. The procedure is straightforward and largely system-independent

Selecting the first-choice application in Windows

• Right-click the SWA file and choose Open with option
• Select Choose another app → More apps
• To finalize the process, select Look for another app on this PC entry and using the file explorer select the Adobe Director installation folder. Confirm by checking Always use this app to open SWA files box and clicking OK button.

Selecting the first-choice application in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with SWA extension, select Information
• Proceed to the Open with section. If its closed, click the title to access available options
• From the list choose the appropriate program and confirm by clicking Change for all....
• A message window should appear informing that This change will be applied to all files with SWA extension. By clicking Continue you confirm your selection.

Step 4. Ensure that the SWA file is complete and free of errors

Should the problem still occur after following steps 1-3, check if the SWA file is valid. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. The SWA may be infected with malware – make sure to scan it with an antivirus tool.

Should it happed that the SWA is infected with a virus, this may be that cause that prevents you from accessing it. Immediately scan the file using an antivirus tool or scan the whole system to ensure the whole system is safe. SWA file is infected with malware? Follow the steps suggested by your antivirus software.

2. Verify that the SWA file’s structure is intact

Did you receive the SWA file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. The file might have been copied erroneously and the data lost integrity, which precludes from accessing the file. It could happen the the download process of file with SWA extension was interrupted and the file data is defective. Download the file again from the same source.

3. Ensure that you have appropriate access rights

Some files require elevated access rights to open them. Log out of your current account and log in to an account with sufficient access privileges. Then open the Shockwave Audio file.

4. Make sure that the system has sufficient resources to run Adobe Director

If the systems has insufficient resources to open SWA files, try closing all currently running applications and try again.

5. Verify that your operating system and drivers are up to date

Up-to-date system and drivers not only makes your computer more secure, but also may solve problems with Shockwave Audio file. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SWA files affecting older versions of given software.

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