What is SwHelper_1168638.exe? Is it Safe or a Virus? How to remove or fix it

by Phil Hart




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What is SwHelper_1168638.exe?

SwHelper_1168638.exe is an executable file from Shockwave by Adobe Systems Incorporated, with the Windows version 11.6.8r638 typically being around 1039832 bytes. The .exe file could be a standard part of the software, but it's essential to verify if it's a legitimate application file or harmful malware/virus. Check its properties and origin to ensure its validity.

 

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Is SwHelper_1168638.exe a virus or malware?

Is SwHelper_1168638.exe safe, or is it a virus or malware?

To check if SwHelper_1168638.exe or any file is safe or a virus:

  1. Verify its location: The legitimate path should be something like C:\Program Files\Adobe Systems Incorporated\Shockwave\SwHelper_1168638.exe
  2. Use Task Manager: Add "Image Path Name" in the columns to see the file location.
  3. Use Microsoft's Process Explorer: Check the "Verified Signer" status. If it's "Unable to Verify," further investigation is needed. Not all legitimate processes have a verified signature, but no malicious ones do.

The most important facts about SwHelper_1168638.exe:

  • Name: SwHelper_1168638.exe
  • Software: Shockwave
  • Publisher: Adobe Systems Incorporated
  • Expected Location: C:\Program Files\Adobe Systems Incorporated\Shockwave\ subfolder
  • Expected Full Path: C:\Program Files\Adobe Systems Incorporated\Shockwave\SwHelper_1168638.exe
  • SHA1: EA18D4A6989009FE28972800C2C5D5069011A5A3
  • SHA256:
  • MD5: b8a7fe137d1985309f47d610cea6c729
  • Known to be up to 1039832 bytes in size in Windows
  • Version: 11.6.8r638

If experiencing issues with SwHelper_1168638.exe, first verify its trustworthiness using Task Manager by checking its location and size.

If it seems suspicious and you suspect a virus, use a comprehensive security application to attempt removal. Since not all tools detect every type of malware, you might need to try multiple security programs.

If the virus affects the ability to delete SwHelper_1168638.exe, boot into Safe Mode with Networking for a more secure environment, allowing you to run security scans and perform a thorough system analysis.

 

Can I remove or delete SwHelper_1168638.exe?

Do not delete SwHelper_1168638.exe if it's a safe file, as it could impact related programs. Keep your software and drivers updated to prevent issues.

If you suspect the file is malicious, perform a thorough system analysis with tools like Fortect or a reliable antivirus and malware remover. If these tools identify the file as harmful, they will help remove SwHelper_1168638.exe and any associated malware.

If it's not a virus and you need to uninstall it, remove Shockwave via its uninstaller or the Add/Remove Program feature in the Windows Control Panel.

  • 1. In the Start menu (for Windows 8, right-click the screen's bottom-left corner), click Control Panel, and then under Programs:
    o Windows Vista/7/8.1/10: Click Uninstall a Program.
    o Windows XP: Click Add or Remove Programs.
  • 2. When you find the program Shockwave, click it, and then:
    o Windows Vista/7/8.1/10: Click Uninstall.
    o Windows XP: Click the Remove or Change/Remove tab (to the right of the program).
  • 3. Follow the prompts to remove Shockwave.

 

 

Common SwHelper_1168638.exe error messages

The most common SwHelper_1168638.exe errors that can appear are:

  • "SwHelper_1168638.exe Application Error."
  • "SwHelper_1168638.exe failed."
  • "SwHelper_1168638.exe has encountered a problem and needs to close. We are sorry for the inconvenience."
  • "SwHelper_1168638.exe is not a valid Win32 application."
  • "SwHelper_1168638.exe is not running."
  • "SwHelper_1168638.exe not found."
  • "Cannot find SwHelper_1168638.exe."
  • "Error starting program: SwHelper_1168638.exe."
  • "Faulting Application Path: SwHelper_1168638.exe."
  • "SwHelper_1168638.exe is not responding."
  • "Access Violation at address [address] in module 'SwHelper_1168638.exe'."
  • "SwHelper_1168638.exe has stopped working."
  • "Cannot start Shockwave. A required component is missing: SwHelper_1168638.exe"

 

.exe error messages related to SwHelper_1168638.exe can arise during various instances: program installation, while running Shockwave software, during Windows startup or shutdown, or even while installing Windows. Recording the specific timing and context of these errors is crucial for effective troubleshooting.

 

How to fix SwHelper_1168638.exe

Maintaining a clean and organized computer is crucial for preventing issues with SwHelper_1168638.exe. This includes conducting regular malware scans, cleaning your hard disk with tools like cleanmgr and sfc /scannow, uninstalling unnecessary programs, managing auto-start programs through msconfig, and enabling automatic Windows updates.

Regular backups or setting recovery points are also important. If you encounter a major issue, check your recent actions and use the resmon command to identify problematic processes.

Rather than reinstalling Windows, consider repairing your installation or using the DISM.exe command. Tools like Fortect can help analyze the SwHelper_1168638.exe process, identifying if it is spyware, malware, or a Trojan horse, while antivirus software can assist in removing such threats.

 


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Download or reinstall SwHelper_1168638.exe

Avoid downloading replacement exe files, like SwHelper_1168638.exe, from download sites due to the risk of viruses. Instead, reinstall the main application associated with it, which is Shockwave, for a safer solution.

 

What is Shockwave

End of Life for Adobe Shockwave. Effective Ap, Adobe Shockwave will be discontinued and the Shockwave player for Windows will no longer be available for download. Companies with existing Enterprise licenses for Adobe Shockwave continue to receive support until the end of their current contracts.

Operating system information

SwHelper 1168638.exe errors can occur in any of the following Microsoft Windows operating systems:

  • Windows 11
  • Windows 10
  • Windows 8.1
  • Windows 7
  • Windows Vista




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Other files in Shockwave:

  1. SwHelper_1100465.exe
  2. SwHelper_1151601.exe
  3. SwHelper_1158612.exe
  4. SwHelper_1159615.exe
  5. SwHelper_1159620.exe
  6. SwHelper_1160626.exe
  7. SwHelper_1161629.exe
  8. SwHelper_1163633.exe
  9. SwHelper_1165635.exe
  10. SwHelper_1166636.exe

Other software titles by Adobe Systems Incorporated:

  1. 10 Great Adobe Tryout Versions
  2. 7-Zip
  3. Acrobat
  4. Acrobat Capture
  5. Acrobat Reader
  6. Adobe Acrobat
  7. Adobe Acrobat 3D Utility
  8. Adobe Acrobat 4.0
  9. Adobe Acrobat 5.0
  10. Adobe Acrobat 5.0 Upgrade