TechNote (Archived)

Error: You are missing the SWA Decompression Xtra

Issue

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You are using Shockwave 7 and get the "You are missing the SWA Decompression Xtra" error message when you try to view Shockwave content on the Web.

Reason

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The SWA Decompression Xtra is a Shockwave helper application that allows Shockwave audio to stream over the Web. This error message indicates that either this Xtra is not installed, or it did not register correctly and therefore is not being found by the Shockwave plug-in or ActiveX control.

Less often, this error indicates that you either have an old (pre-July, 1996) version of Shockwave, or that your computer lacks a Floating Point Unit (FPU). Some older computers lack this piece of hardware, which is required for playback of Shockwave streaming audio. The Shockwave installer will not install the SWA Decompression Xtra on these systems. Consult the documentation that came with your computer for information about its specifications.

Solution

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If you determine that your computer does have an FPU, try one or more of the following steps to either install, or force your Shockwave installation to recognize, the SWA Decompression Xtra.

To solve the problem do the following:

1. Search to see if the Xtra was installed.
   
   On Windows, it is named "SWADCmpr.X32"
   
   On Macintosh, it is named "SWA Decomp PPC Xtra"
   
   If it is installed, go to step 2. If it is not installed, go to step 5.
2. Make sure the Xtra is in the correct location on your hard drive.
   
   On Windows, it should be in System:Macromed:Shockwave:Xtras
   
   On Macintosh, it should be in System:Extensions:Macromedia:Shockwave:Xtras
   
   If it is in the correct location, go to step 3, if it is not in the correct location, go to step 4.
3. If the SWA Decompression Xtra is installed in the correct location:
   
   On Windows, reboot.
   
   On Macintosh, rebuild your desktop by restarting while holding down the option and apple keys.
   
   If you still receive the error message after completing these steps, go to step 6.
4. If the SWA Decompression Xtra is installed, but not in the correct location, copy it into the appropriate folder as listed in step 2 and restart your computer.
5. If the SWA Decompression Xtra is not installed anywhere on your hard drive, download and install Shockwave 7 by going to theShockwave download center.
6. If you still get the "You are missing the SWA Decompression Xtra" error message, reinstall your browser and then reinstall Shockwave.

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