How to fix file association for .swf

Hello there,

I know this post is very old, but the problem is current. I had the same problem yesterday and I was able to manage it to work as usual again. Here's how i got it working again:

1. Open regedit.

2. Find HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT/.swf (if you have Adobe flash pro CSx, just right click and delete it, else, make sure the key data is like: name:(default), type: REG_SZ, value: ShockwaveFlash.ShockwaveFlash)

3. Find HKEY_CURRENT_USER/Software/Microsoft/Windows/CurrentVersion/Explorer/FileExts/.swf ((if you have Adobe flash pro CSx, just right click and delete it, then go to step 5)

4. Expand .swf file extension folder, if you have UserChoice folder, simply delete it. Locate OpenWithProgids folder (if you can not find it, create a key named "OpenWithProgids" by right clicking the .swf folder. And in the right-hand-side panel, make sure there is a binary value like: name ShockwaveFlash.ShockwaveFlash, type: REG_NONE, value: (empty binary value), if not, create it by yourself by right clicking in the panel and selecting New > Binary Value)

5. Close regedit.

6. If you have Adobe flash pro CSx installed on your win 7, reinstall it.

7. Reboot your system.

Thats all, It was worked for me, i hope it works for you too.

I'm on windows 7 and don't have the option to delete file association. Where is flash player 11 installed to so I can refer to it?

After not being able to find any information on fixing this, I tried some of my own solutions, and this one works.

To fix broken swf file association

Open Windows Explorer...Tools...Folder Options...File Types

Scroll to swf and delete it

Try to open an swf and select IE and click ALWAYS USE THIS PROGRAM

IE will try to open the file, click CANCEL

Go back to File Types and scroll down to the new swf entry

Click Advanced

Click Open under the actions box and click EDIT

In the Application used to perform this action: box type the following

"C:\Program Files\Adobe\Adobe Flash CS5\Players\FlashPlayer.exe" %1

(assuming you installed flash in the default location)

In the Application: box chance IEXPLORE to FlashPlayer

Click OK...OK...Close

SWF's will now open with the flash player!

John