How to Recover .SWF Files from Formatted Internal Drives

Have files been deleted due to a user’s error or software error? Have you formatted a disk by accident and need to know how to recover the files? Read our .SWF file recovery guide for Windows, MacOS, Android and IOS in 2024.

How to Recover .SWF Files from Formatted Internal Drives
Data Recovery Tool

What is a .SWF file?

An SWF file is an animation created with Adobe Flash that can be played by Flash Player or with a web browser that has the Flash plugin installed. It may contain text, vector and raster graphics, and interactive content written in ActionScript.

What Are Common Causes of ".SWF" Files Lost or Failure?

There are several common causes of ".SWF" files being lost or failing:

  1. Accidental deletion: Users may accidentally delete ".SWF" files while organizing or cleaning their computer or storage devices.
  2. File system corruption: File system corruption can occur due to various reasons such as improper system shutdown, virus/malware infections, or hardware issues. This can lead to the loss or corruption of ".SWF" files.
  3. Software or hardware conflicts: Incompatibility issues between software applications or conflicts with hardware components can cause ".SWF" files to fail or become inaccessible.
  4. Power outages: Sudden power outages or system shutdowns can interrupt the saving or loading process of ".SWF" files, resulting in their loss or failure.
  5. File format conversion errors: Incorrect or incomplete conversion of ".SWF" files to other formats can cause data loss or corruption.
  6. Disk errors: Physical or logical errors on the storage device where ".SWF" files are stored can lead to their loss or failure.
  7. Software bugs or glitches: Software bugs or glitches in applications that handle ".SWF" files can cause them to become corrupted or fail to open properly.
  8. Malicious actions: Intentional deletion or corruption of ".SWF" files by malware, viruses, or hackers can result in their loss or failure.
  9. Overwriting or editing mistakes: Accidentally overwriting or making incorrect edits to ".SWF" files can render them unusable or cause data loss.
  10. Hardware failure: Hardware failures such as a faulty hard drive or memory module can result in the loss or failure of ".SWF" files stored on the affected device.

How to recover lost ".SWF" files?

Sometimes while working with a computer, laptop or other stationary or mobile devices, you may encounter various bugs, freezes, hardware or software failures, even in spite of regular updates and junk cleaning. As a result, an important ".SWF" file may be deleted.

Go to view
🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

🧺 How to Recover Files and Folders After Sending Them to the Recycle Bin and Deleting? (Windows 11)

By no means should you think that the only way to recover a ".SWF" file is always to create it once more.

Use programs for recovering ".SWF" files if a file was lost after accidental or deliberate deleting, formatting the memory card or the internal storage, cleaning the storage device, after a virus attack or a system failure.

Programs to recover ".SWF" files

Looking for a way to get files back? In cases when files were deleted and they cannot be restored by using standard operating system tools, use Hetman Partition Recovery.

Partition Recovery™ 4.9
The tool recovers data from any devices, regardless of the cause of data loss.
Download

Follow the directions below:

  1. Download Hetman Partition Recovery, install and start the program.

  2. The program will automatically scan the computer and display all hard disks and removable drives connected to it, as well as physical and local disks.

    File Recovery Software

  3. Double-click on the disk from which you need to recover ".SWF" files, and select analysis type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Analysis Type

  4. When the scanning is over, you will be shown the files for recovery.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Files that Can be Restored

  5. To find a file you need, use the program’s interface to open the folder it was deleted from, or go to the folder "Content-Aware Analysis" and select the required file type.

    Hetman Partition Recovery - Deep Scan

  6. Select the files you have been looking for and click "Recovery".

    File Recovery Software - Files List for Recovery

  7. Choose one of the methods for saving the files and recover them.

    Saving recovered files in Hetman Partition Recovery

How to open file with ".SWF" extension?

Looking for how to open a stereo shockwave Flash Movie image file file?

Programs that open ".SWF" files

Windows
Adobe Flash Player Adobe Flash Player
Adobe Flash Professional CC Adobe Flash Professional CC
Adobe Dreamweaver CC 2019 Adobe Dreamweaver CC 2019
Eltima SWF & FLV Player Eltima SWF & FLV Player
Eltima Flash Decompiler Trillix Eltima Flash Decompiler Trillix
Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate Xilisoft Video Converter Ultimate
GRETECH GOM Player GRETECH GOM Player
Media Player Classic Media Player Classic
GlobFX Swiff Player GlobFX Swiff Player
DCOMSOFT SWF Protector DCOMSOFT SWF Protector
Web browser Web browser
Mac
Adobe Flash Player Adobe Flash Player
Adobe Flash Professional CC Adobe Flash Professional CC
Adobe Dreamweaver CC 2019 Adobe Dreamweaver CC 2019
Eltima Elmedia Player Eltima Elmedia Player
Eltima Flash Decompiler Trillix Eltima Flash Decompiler Trillix
Eltima Flash Optimizer Eltima Flash Optimizer
Echo One iSwiff Echo One iSwiff
DCOMSOFT SWF Protector DCOMSOFT SWF Protector
Web browser Web browser
Linux
Adobe Flash Player Adobe Flash Player
DCOMSOFT SWF Protector DCOMSOFT SWF Protector
Web browser Web browser
Android
BIT LABS SWF Player BIT LABS SWF Player

Additional Information

  • File type: Shockwave Flash Movie

  • File extension: .SWF

  • Developer: Adobe Systems

  • Category: Video Files

  • Format: Binary

  • Mime-type: application/x-shockwave-flash

  • HEX: 46 57 53, 43 57 53

  • ASCII: FWS, CWS

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Comments (1)

  • Hetman Software: Data Recovery
    Hetman Software: Data Recovery 18.12.2019 13:44 #
    Leave a comment if you have any questions about Recovering lost .SWF files after deleting, cleaning or formatting!
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Vladimir Artiukh

Author: Vladimir Artiukh, Technical Writer

Vladimir Artiukh is a technical writer for Hetman Software, as well as the voice and face of their English-speaking YouTube channel, Hetman Software: Data Recovery for Windows. He handles tutorials, how-tos, and detailed reviews on how the company’s tools work with all kinds of data storage devices.

Oleg Afonin

Editor: Oleg Afonin, Technical Writer

Oleg Afonin is an expert in mobile forensics, data recovery and computer systems. He often attends large data security conferences, and writes several blogs for such resources as xaker.ru, Elcomsoft and Habr. In addition to his online activities, Oleg’s articles are also published in professional magazines. Also, Oleg Afonin is the co-author of a well-known book, Mobile Forensics - Advanced Investigative Strategies.

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Questions and answers

  • What are some common reasons for encountering problems when trying to open .SWF files?

    Some common reasons for encountering problems when trying to open .SWF files include:

    1. Missing or incompatible software: SWF files require a compatible software or web browser with a Flash player to open. If the required software or plugin is missing or outdated, the file may not open properly.
    2. Disabled Flash player: Some web browsers have disabled or blocked Flash content by default due to security concerns. If the Flash player is disabled, the SWF file will not open.
    3. Outdated Flash player: If the Flash player installed on your system is outdated, it may not support the latest SWF file format, causing problems when trying to open the file.
    4. Corrupted SWF file: If the SWF file itself is corrupted or damaged, it may not open properly. This can happen due to incomplete downloads, file transfer errors, or other issues.
    5. Incompatible operating system: Certain SWF files may be designed for specific operating systems, and trying to open them on an incompatible OS can lead to problems.
    6. Blocked by antivirus software: Some antivirus programs may block SWF files due to security concerns, considering them potentially harmful. In such cases, the file may not open or may be flagged as a threat.
    7. Browser settings: Some web browsers may have specific settings that prevent the automatic playing of SWF files. These settings need to be adjusted to allow the file to open.
    8. Deprecated technology: Flash technology has been deprecated and is being phased out, so some modern devices or browsers may not support SWF files anymore. In such cases, alternative formats or methods may be required to view the content.

    It is advisable to ensure that you have a compatible software or web browser with an up-to-date Flash player installed to open SWF files smoothly.

  • What are some troubleshooting steps to fix issues with opening .SWF files?
    1. Check if you have the necessary software: Make sure you have Adobe Flash Player installed on your computer. Without it, you won't be able to open .SWF files.
    2. Update Adobe Flash Player: If you already have Adobe Flash Player installed, make sure it is up to date. Outdated versions may have compatibility issues with newer .SWF files.
    3. Clear your browser cache: If you are trying to open .SWF files in a web browser, clearing the cache can sometimes resolve the issue. Go to your browser settings, find the option to clear cache, and restart the browser.
    4. Enable Flash Player in your browser: Some browsers, like Google Chrome, may have Flash Player disabled by default. Check your browser settings and ensure that Flash Player is enabled.
    5. Try a different browser: If you are experiencing issues with opening .SWF files in one browser, try using a different browser. This can help determine if the problem is specific to the browser you are using.
    6. Disable browser extensions: Certain browser extensions or add-ons can interfere with the opening of .SWF files. Try disabling any extensions related to Flash or multimedia and see if the files open properly.
    7. Scan for malware: Malware or viruses on your computer can cause issues with opening .SWF files. Run a full system scan using a reliable antivirus software to ensure your system is clean.
    8. Repair or reinstall Adobe Flash Player: If none of the above steps work, try repairing or reinstalling Adobe Flash Player. Uninstall the current version, restart your computer, and then download and install the latest version from the Adobe website.
    9. Try standalone .SWF player: If you are still unable to open .SWF files, try using a standalone .SWF player. These players are specifically designed to open and play .SWF files and may provide better compatibility.
    10. Contact support: If you have tried all the troubleshooting steps and are still unable to open .SWF files, it may be helpful to contact the software developer or seek support from online forums or communities dedicated to Flash-related issues.
  • Are there any specific software or tools that can help resolve problems with opening .SWF files?

    Yes, there are several software and tools that can help resolve problems with opening .SWF files. Some of the commonly used ones are:

    1. Adobe Flash Player: Adobe Flash Player is a widely used software for playing .SWF files. It is available for free and can be downloaded from the Adobe website.
    2. SWF File Player: SWF File Player is a standalone player specifically designed for playing .SWF files. It allows you to open and play .SWF files without the need for a web browser or additional software.
    3. Elmedia Player: Elmedia Player is a multimedia player for macOS that can handle various file formats, including .SWF files. It offers advanced features like playback control, fullscreen mode, and the ability to adjust playback settings.
    4. VLC Media Player: VLC Media Player is a popular open-source multimedia player that supports a wide range of file formats, including .SWF files. It can be used to open and play .SWF files on various operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
    5. SWF Opener: SWF Opener is a simple and lightweight tool that allows you to open and play .SWF files. It provides basic playback controls and can be useful for quickly viewing .SWF content.

    It's important to note that support for .SWF files has been discontinued in modern web browsers due to security concerns and the shift towards HTML5. Therefore, it's recommended to convert .SWF files to more widely supported formats like HTML5 or video formats whenever possible.
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