SWP File Extension

What is SWP file?

SWP filename suffix is mostly used for Vi Swap Format files. Bill Joy defined the Vi Swap Format format standard. SWP files are supported by software applications available for devices running Linux, Mac OS, Windows. SWP file format, along with 6033 other file formats, belongs to the Misc Files category. Users are advised to use gVim software for managing SWP files, although 8 other programs can also handle this type of file.

Programs which support SWP file extension

The list that follows enumerates programs compatible with SWP files, divided into 3 categories based on operating system on which they are available. Files with SWP 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 SWP extension?

Problems with accessing SWP may be due to various reasons. What is important, all common issues related to files with SWP extension can be resolved by the users themselves. The process is quick and doesn’t involve an IT expert. We have prepared a listing of which will help you resolve your problems with SWP files.

Step 1. Download and install gVim

The most common reason for such problems is the lack of proper applications that supports SWP files installed on the system. The most obvious solution is to download and install gVim or one to the listed programs: MacVim, Microsoft Windows, Vim. Above you will find a complete listing of programs that support SWP files, classified according to system platforms for which they are available. If you want to download gVim installer in the most secured manner, we suggest you visit website and download from their official repositories.

Step 2. Check the version of gVim and update if needed

You still cannot access SWP files although gVim is installed on your system? Make sure that the software is up to date. It may also happen that software creators by updating their applications add compatibility with other, newer file formats. This can be one of the causes why SWP files are not compatible with gVim. All of the file formats that were handled just fine by the previous versions of given program should be also possible to open using gVim.

Step 3. Set the default application to open SWP files to gVim

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

The procedure to change the default program in Windows

• Right-click the SWP file and choose Open with option
• Next, select the Choose another app option and then using More apps open the list of available applications
• The last step is to select Look for another app on this PC option supply the directory path to the folder where gVim is installed. Now all that is left is to confirm your choice by selecting Always use this app to open SWP files and clicking OK.

The procedure to change the default program in Mac OS

• From the drop-down menu, accessed by clicking the file with SWP extension, select Information
• Open the Open with section by clicking its name
• Select gVim and click Change for all...
• If you followed the previous steps a message should appear: This change will be applied to all files with SWP extension. Next, click the Continue button to finalize the process.

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

If you followed the instructions form the previous steps yet the issue is still not solved, you should verify the SWP file in question. Problems with opening the file may arise due to various reasons.

1. Check the SWP file for viruses or malware

If the file is infected, the malware that resides in the SWP file hinders attempts to open it. Scan the SWP file as well as your computer for malware or viruses. If the scanner detected that the SWP file is unsafe, proceed as instructed by the antivirus program to neutralize the threat.

2. Ensure the file with SWP extension is complete and error-free

Did you receive the SWP file in question from a different person? Ask him/her to send it one more time. It is possible that the file has not been properly copied to a data storage and is incomplete and therefore cannot be opened. If the SWP file has been downloaded from the internet only partially, try to redownload it.

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 Vi Swap Format file.

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

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

5. Ensure that you have the latest drivers and system updates and patches installed

Latest versions of programs and drivers may help you solve problems with Vi Swap Format files and ensure security of your device and operating system. It is possible that one of the available system or driver updates may solve the problems with SWP files affecting older versions of given software.

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