How to Use an SOL File
By Chris Hoffman
Adobe Flash stores cookies in SOL, or "shared object local," files. If you have an SOL file, you can place it in the appropriate folder on your computer to use it. For example, Flash-based Web browser games store your saved game information to an SOL file. You can download another SOL file and overwrite your existing SOL file to use another user’s saved game information instead of your own. Each Flash program creates an SOL file with a different file name and folder structure.
Step 1
Visit the website associated with the SOL file in your Web browser and perform a save to create an SOL file on your computer. For example, if you want to import save data for a Flash game, open the Flash game’s website and create a save file. Some Flash content may automatically save and create an SOL file for you. Close the website after creating the SOL file.
Step 2
Click “Start,” type “%AppData%” into the search box in the Start menu and press “Enter.”
Step 3
Double-click the “Macromedia” folder in the window that appears, double-click the “Flash Player” folder and double-click the “#SharedObjects” folder.
Step 4
Double-click the folder inside the #SharedObjects folder. This folder has a random name, but is the only file inside the #SharedObjects folder.
Step 5
Double-click the folder with the name of the website associated with the SOL file. For example, if you want to use the SOL file with a Flash program on example.com, double-click the “Example.com” folder. The folder may also have a different prefix, such as “games.example.com.”
Step 6
Locate the existing SOL file you want to replace. The SOL file may be just inside the website’s folder or located several folders deep. The Flash program’s developer selects the location and name of the SOL file.
Step 7
Drag and drop or copy and paste the new SOL file to the same folder as the existing SOL file and click “Yes” to replace it.
Step 8
Navigate to the website with the Flash content you want to use the SOL file with. The Flash content loads the data from the new SOL file on your computer.
Tips
- You can also view the contents of an SOL file using an application such as FlashCookiesView or SOLReader. The .sol Editor application can edit their contents.
- If you have an SWF file and an SOL file that aren’t associated with a website, you can open the SWF file in your Web browser. The SWF file will load the data from the SOL file. You’ll need Flash installed to view the file.
Writer Bio
Chris Hoffman is a technology writer and all-around tech geek who writes for PC World, MakeUseOf, and How-To Geek. He's been using Windows since Windows 3.1 was released in 1992.