SwDir.dll is Missing or Not Found: 5 Ways to Download it
You can always manually add/replace the DLL
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The SwDir.dll file is developed by Adobe and used by several of its software, including the Adobe Shockwave Player. When the DLL is missing, not found, or corrupted, you get an error message, and the program fails to launch.
The error message reads, The program can’t start because SwDir.dll is missing from your computer. Try reinstalling the program to fix this problem.
Before you proceed to the solutions, restart the computer, install all pending updates for Windows and the affected program, and disable any third-party antivirus on the PC. For most, these basic checks should do the trick!
What can I do when SwDir.dll is missing or corrupted in Windows?
1. Add/replace SwDir.dll in the dedicated directory
When faced with SwDir.dll errors in Windows, your primary approach should be to add (if missing) or replace (if corrupted) the DLL file. As for its storage path, the SwDir.dll location is within the program’s directory in the following path: C:\Windows\SysWOW64
So, go to another PC running the same Windows iteration and architecture > locate SwDir.dll > copy it to a USB flash drive > connect the flash drive to the affected computer > move the DLL to the program’s dedicated directory, which also stores the launcher (.exe) file > restart the PC to apply the changes.
2. Use a DLL repair tool
If you frequently face DLL-related errors, I recommend using a top-rated DLL repair tool. It will scan the PC, identify any missing or corrupted DLLs, and replace them with a fresh copy from the database.
The tools have helped many fix the SwDir.dll not found error in Windows. So, give it a try!
3. Run the affected app with admin privileges
- Right-click on the affected application’s launcher (.exe file), and select Properties.
- Go to the Compatibility tab, and tick the checkbox for Run this program as an administrator.
- Click Apply and OK to save the changes, and then check for improvements.
4. Scan the PC for malware
- Press Windows + S to open Search, type Windows Security in the text field, and click on the relevant result.
- Click on Virus & threat protection.
- Click on Scan options.
- Select the Full scan entry and then click on Scan now.
- Wait for Windows Security to identify and remove existing threats. If any action is taken, verify whether the SwDir.dll error is fixed.
For the unversed, SwDir.dll has also been associated with a critical vulnerability that allowed threat actors to remotely access the PC. So, it’s vital that you perform a malware scan. Also, it’s wise to use an advanced antivirus solution to run a deeper scan!
5. Reinstall the affected application
- Press Windows + R to open Run, type appwiz.cpl in the text field, and hit Enter.
- Select the application that is throwing the error and click on Uninstall.
- Follow the on-screen instructions to complete the process, and then restart the PC.
- Finally, reinstall the application from the official website or Microsoft Store.
Since SwDir.dll is developed by Adobe, any of its programs that require the DLL add it during the installation. If that didn’t happen the first time, reinstalling the app will do the trick!
In case that doesn’t work, leftover files or Registry entries might be to blame. So, use an effective software uninstaller for Windows to wipe all traces of the previous installation.
In my opinion, fixing SwDir.dll errors in Windows is simple and shouldn’t take much time. You simply need to identify the underlying cause, which, more often than not, is an improper installation or software conflict.
Before you leave, learn all about DLL errors in Windows and take the necessary measures to prevent these from reappearing!
For any queries or to share which fix worked for you, drop a comment below.
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