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"Recuva Recovered Files Unreadable and Unable to Open [SOLVED]"

"Recuva recovered files unreadable and can't open?" Don't worry, we have 4 recommendations to resolve this issue and enable you to access your recovered files, particularly videos, photos, and documents: 1. **Use a Different Recovery Tool**: Sometimes, issues with readability might be due to the recovery software. Try using an alternative reliable file recovery tool, such as Data Recovery Wizard or Stellar Phoenix, to see if they can properly recover and open the files. 2. **Check File Integrity**: Corrupted files can be the reason for unreadability. Use a file integrity checker like HashCheck or WinMD5Free to verify the file's integrity. If the hashes don't match, the file might be damaged, and you may need professional data recovery services. 3. **Recover to Another Location**: When recovering files, avoid saving them to the same location from where they were lost. This can sometimes cause issues. Instead, save them on a different drive or external storage device to prevent any potential overwriting. 4. **Open with Alternative Software**: If the issue is with specific file types (like videos or documents), try using alternative software to open them. For example, use VLC Media Player for videos, or Google Docs for documents that won't open in their native applications. By trying these solutions, you should be able to access your recovered files effectively.

Computers Cannot Open Recuva Recovered Files

Cnet Case - "Recently, I accidentally deleted a folder from a Seagate FreeAgent external hard drive. Recuva was able to recover all the folders with most of their contents, but none of the files can be opened. Any assistance would be greatly appreciated. Thanks!"

Piriform Case - "After accidentally pressing Ctrl-Z and losing a folder filled with photos, I utilized Recuva to recover the files. The files were retrieved successfully, but when I attempt to view the photos, my computer displays a message stating that it doesn't support the file format (even though they are all .jpgs, which typically wouldn't pose an issue). What could have gone wrong? How can I restore my pictures?"

You are not alone in encountering the issue of "Recuva recovered files won't open". Numerous users have reported that they are unable to open or play their files, particularly videos, images, and document files, even after using Recuva to recover them. Several factors can prevent users from viewing or opening their recovered files, and some common reasons include:

Recuva corruption
Failed file recovery
File corruption or encryption (due to Virus/malware infection)
Data overwriting

There's no magic solution for this issue, but if you're looking to figure out how to open recovered files, we have some recommendations for you:

Solution 1: Contact the Recuva Support Team

Before reaching out to the support team, you can attempt to recover your data using Recuva once more. If the recovery is unsuccessful, you can directly contact the Recuva support team to inquire if they can provide assistance in opening the recovered files. They might guide you through the recovery process to ensure that you have properly used Recuva to recover your files.

If you're unsure how to reach out to the support team, you can visit the Recuva Support page. Alternatively, you can contact them via Facebook or Twitter.

Solution 2: Recover Data When Recuva Files Won't Open

If Recuva encounters issues and you've performed an incomplete file recovery on your storage devices using it, you may find that the recovered files cannot be opened or read. It's crucial to ensure that you've executed a complete recovery process and subsequently opt for a reliable data recovery software to assist you.

Here, we highly recommend that you give the tool Data Recovery Wizard a try. This professional Data Recovery Wizard tool is capable of recovering over 250 different types of files. It supports numerous file systems, such as FAT (FAT12, FAT16, FAT32), exFAT, NTFS, NTFS5, ext2/ext3, HFS+, and ReFS. Download this software to salvage your data when you encounter issues with opening recovered files.

Step 1. Choose a location and begin scanning

Launch the Data Recovery Wizard tool and select the partition where you lost your data. Next, click on "Scan".

Step 2. Filter and preview files This step involves refining the list of files you want to work with and getting a sneak peek at their content. You can apply filters based on criteria like file type, date modified, or size. This helps you narrow down the selection to the specific files relevant to your task. Once filtered, you can preview the files to ensure they contain the information you need before proceeding with further actions. This might involve opening a document, viewing images, or checking the contents of a folder. Previewing files is a useful way to avoid processing unnecessary data and to confirm that you're working with the correct files.

Utilize the file format filter located in the left or upper-right corner to locate the files you require. Once you've found them, you can either click the "Preview" button or double-click the file to preview its contents.

Step 3. Recover Lost Data or Files

Click the checkbox next to the file and select "Recover" to restore the lost data to a secure location.

Rapid access to data recovery using data recovery software tools:

Solution 3: Decrypt Files Without Paying Ransom

If your files were encrypted by a virus, you won't be able to access them even after restoration. In such cases, you can eliminate the virus and recover encrypted files without paying the ransom:

Step 1. Do not pay under any circumstances.

Step 2. Clean up the virus on your PC and storage devices by running a virus cleaner software.

Step 3. Utilize file decryption tools or software to decrypt your files

Also read: How to Decrypt Encrypted Files Without Password

You can re-open your files to check if it's working. If this solution doesn't help, proceed to the next one.

Solution 4: Handle Recuva Overwritten Files

"Overwrite" refers to the process of recording new data over existing data when updating a file or directory. When a file is overwritten, the new information is written on top of the old information. The unused clusters of the file system are utilized to store the new data. Once the old data has been overwritten, it becomes irrecoverable through conventional file recovery software. However, if you have a backup of the original file, there may still be a chance to retrieve the overwritten files. This can be achieved by utilizing the "Previous Version" feature in Windows. This is a built-in backup and recovery tool that allows you to restore deleted, formatted, modified, corrupted, or lost files and folders. To do this, follow these steps:

Step 1. Right-click the file and select "Properties."

Step 2. Click on the "Previous Version" tab.

Step 3. Choose the latest version and click "Restore" to retrieve the overwritten files.

recover overwritten files

Useful Tips to Resolve the Issue of Recovered Files Not Opening

Tip 1. Stop using the device and perform a data recovery as soon as possible.

Tip 2. Save the recovered files to a different disk or storage device. Writing new data or saving the recovered data to the same device could corrupt or overwrite your previously lost files, making them irrecoverable – a primary cause of partially recovered files with Recuva or inability to open recovered files.

Tip 3. Backup your files beforehand. This way, you can restore them in any scenario if you have a backup.

Tip 4. Whenever you lose files, seek emergency assistance from Data Recovery Wizard. We're always here to help.