Tips to open SWM file
Can't open the SWM file? You are not the only one. Thousands of users face similar problems every day. Below you will find tips on how to open SWM files as well as a list of programs that support SWM files.
SWM file extension
| File Name |
Split Windows Imaging Format |
| File Developer |
Microsoft |
| File Category |
Disk Image Files |
The SWM file is supported on 1 operating systems. Depending on your operating system, you may need different software to handle the SWM files. Below is a summary of the number of programs that support and open the SWM file on each system platform.
What is SWM file?
The SWM file has been categorized as Disk Image Files. The creator of this file is Microsoft. In addition to this file, the Disk Image Files category includes 203 related files. Split Windows Imaging Format appears on 1 operating systems as a functional file. The file will work on Windows systems, unfortunately not on others. The main program that supports this format is ImageX. This was created by Microsoft Corporation. Alternatively, you can use 1 other programs. You can use ExtractNow in case ImageX cannot be used.
How to open SWM file?
The main problem with Split Windows Imaging Format is that the SWM file is incorrectly associated with programs. Thus, when you open SWM, the program selection wizard or some other program starts. This problem can be easily remedied.
The first thing you should do is just "doubleclick" on the SWM file icon you want to open. If the operating system has an appropriate application to support it and there is also an association between the file and the program, the file should be opened.
Step 1. Install ImageX
In this case, you should first verify that the ImageX application is installed on the computer. The easiest method is to use the system search engine by entering the program name ImageX in it. If we do not have this program, it is worth installing it, as it will help you automatically associate the file SWM with ImageX. Later in this article you will find a list of programs that can open SWM files.
Programs to open SWM file
Remember to download programs supporting SWM files only from verified and safe sources. We suggest using the websites of software developers.
Step 2. Create association of ImageX with SWM files
If the application is or has been freshly installed, but the SWM file still does not use the ImageX program, it means no association. It is most convenient to call the context menu with the right mouse button and select Properties. The window will show, among other things, the type of the file and the information by which the program is used to launch the file. Using the "Change" button we can set the program to handle this type. If there is no software on the list, simply select "Browse" and manually select the directory where the application is installed. Checking the "Always use the selected program ..." box will permanently associate the SWM file with the ImageX program.
Step 3. Update ImageX to the latest version
If, despite the association of the ImageX program with the Split Windows Imaging Format file, the file still does not open, check the program version and possibly update it to the newest version. This can be done using the application (if it provides such options) or from the Microsoft Corporation website and install the latest version.
Step 4. Check for the following problems with the SWM file
If the above steps do not help, you can assume that the file itself is not correct. The most common file problems are:
Very often, the file may be size 0 or incomplete. Usually this applies to SWM files downloaded from the Internet in case the download did not finish properly. The only repair option is to download the file again.
The operating system may be infected with a computer virus. A quick virus scan using an up-to-date antivirus program should clear up any doubts. Some antivirus vendors also provide free online scanners. However, it is important to scan the entire system, not only the file SWM or the program directory. Sometimes virus-infected SWM files cannot be recovered, so make a backup in advance.
Older version of SWM file may not always be supported by the latest software version. Help should be sought from the software developer, as they usually recommend using free file converters or installing an older version of the program.
There can be many reasons for this. Depending on the type of file, it is necessary to repair it accordingly. Some programs offer the option of recovering data from damaged SWM files. You can restore the file from a backup or use Microsoft help.
When reading, a message appears that the file was encrypted or corrupted. The encrypted file SWM except for the special designation, works normally, but only on the device where it was encrypted, before transferring it to another machine, decryption is required.
Some of the system directories are excluded from modification. The problem is only writing to the file, not reading it. If possible, you can try to move the SWM file to another location.
This problem usually affects more complex files. In this case, the SWM file is blocked by the first application to open it. Running programs (including those in the background) should be verified. Sometimes it is necessary to wait a while before referencing the SWM file again. However, some background programs may block the SWM file while scanning. If the problem persists, restart the machine.
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